Bridges

The Padma Multipurpose Bridge Design Project comprises a new fixed crossing of the Padma River in Bangladesh, which will consist of a new bridge approximately 6.15km long across the Padma River, approach viaducts, major river training works and approximately 13.6km of approach roads and bridge end facilities, including toll plazas, service areas and offices. The bridge – the longest in South Asia – will connect the southwest of the country with the capital Dhaka, boosting business and the movement of goods between the country’s second seaport, Mongla, and the rest of the country. This paper gives an overview of the project components and describes the design development process from the initial 2005 Feasibility Study to the current design, including the coordination of the multidisciplinary inputs, the extensive site investigations and survey program, determination of the design criteria and the development of harmonised prequalification and bidding documents leading to the tender process. The processes followed in satisfying the essential safeguard compliance requirements are also outlined.