The bridge constructed over the Payra river in Lebukhali area on Patuakhali-Barishal highway has opened for traffic on Sunday morning.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina inaugurated the four-lane bridge, paving the way for travelling to Patuakhali from Barisal without ferry. 

She joined the programme virtually from her official residence Ganabhaban here.

The bridge has a "bridge health monitor" system to get signals of natural disasters, including thunderstorms and earthquakes or any damage, said officials concerned.

The 1,460m long and 19.6m wide bridge will be connected on both sides by cables. The bridge is 18.30m high from the water level. Seven km approach roads have been constructed on the both sides of the bridge.

In the construction of the bridge, a single pillar has been used in the middle of the river which is expected not to disrupt the normal water flow of the river.

With the opening of Payra Bridge, direct road communication will be established between Dhaka and Kuakata after being completed the construction of the Padma Bridge.

The government approved the bridge construction project in May, 2012, while the prime minister laid the foundation stone of Payra Bridge on March 13, 2013.

BDST: 1204 HRS, OCT 24, 2021
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