Construction works on the iconic Padma Multipurpose Bridge Project continues to stay on track, despite the abrupt set back caused by the global coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic.
The 27th span, 5-C was placed between the 27th and the 28th pillars at Jajira point in Shariatpur around 9:15 am Saturday, making 4,050 metres of the structure visible.
Deputy Assistant Engineer of the Padma Multipurpose Bridge Project Md Humayun Kabir confirmed the matter to Dhaka Tribune. “The span was brought near the pillars by a floating crane from Mawa's Kumarbhog construction yard on Friday morning.”
The construction work continues to progress slowly with a 70% shortage of workforce.
Only 1,500 workers are currently able to work, out of the total 4,000 involved with the main bridge project.
However, this does not affect the installation of spans, said Dewan Md Abdul Kader, executive engineer of the project.
“We require 150 workers—mostly technicians—to install each span. We can install five more spans using the current level of workforce available to us.
“But, if the situation does not improve in the near future, we fear the construction project might have to be put on hiatus,” he added.
Some tasks have been automated to tackle the lack of workforce, but then again, some workers are needed to monitor the process, he also added.
Earlier, the 26th span of the Padma Bridge was installed on March 10.
A total of 41 spans will be installed on 42 concrete pillars to complete the bridge.