Six bridges near completion in Morobe

Six key bridges currently under construction across Morobe Province are nearing completion and are expected to be officially opened by the end of this year, according to the Provincial Works Office.

The bridges are located along the Markham Valley, specifically at 41 Mile, Erap, Maralumi, Zumim, and Yalu, as well as the Kamkumus (Bumbu) Bridge and a temporary one-lane bridge within Lae city.

Provincial Works Manager Leonard Gawi confirmed that construction on the K379m Yalu Bridge is 89 percent complete and is scheduled to open for public use in September.

“For Kamkumus and the Yalu Bridge, we are progressing well, but funding delays and adverse weather have slowed the pace of construction,” Gawi said.

He added that once the temporary one-lane bridge at Kamkumus is cleared for public use, construction of a new four-lane bridge at the site will commence.

The Yalu and Kamkumus bridges are being constructed by the Chinese Railway Company, with the Department of Works providing technical oversight and supervision.

Meanwhile, the remaining bridges Rumu, Erap, Maralumi, and Zumim located along the Markham National Highway, are 90 to 99 percent complete and are expected to be officially opened in July.

Gawi also revealed that the opening of these six bridges will coincide with the inauguration of the new National Department of Works Office in Lae.