Following an earthquake in Sagaing Region that caused the collapse of the old Sagaing Bridge connecting Sagaing and Mandalay cities, the new Sagaing Bridge has also developed cracks and approach road damage, leading to its indefinite closure. Local sources report that the new bridge is experiencing beam misalignment, road cracks, and foundation instability issues.
Currently, people traveling from Sagaing to Mandalay must cross the Ayeyarwady River using ferry boats, while all cargo transportation has come to a complete halt. The approach roads to the new bridge have suffered significant damage, and locals estimate that inspections and repairs could take several months to complete.
The inability to use both bridges has severely impacted local residents’ daily commute, business operations, and goods transportation, causing significant inconvenience as people are forced to rely on ferry services, which are both time-consuming and physically demanding. Additionally, residents express concerns about the safety of water transportation, particularly during adverse weather conditions, as they must now depend on ferry boats for crossing the river.
