Karot Bridge in Pakistan reopens after reconstruction work completed

Karot Bridge, the second largest rigid frame bridge in Pakistan, was reopened on November 16 following the completion of restoration work on its left-bank, giving a boost to the Karot Hydropower plant project run by China Three Gorges Corporation (CTG).

The 330m pre-stressed concrete bridge is made up by three spans, of which the largest one boasts 150m. The dual-lane bridge is 10m wide with a 70-ton maximum vehicle load. The general EPC contractor overcame a series of challenges during the restoration work such as high-altitude operation (maximum 72m clearance) to ensure construction quality.

The bridge passed the static and dynamic loading test on November 9, showing that the project met the design requirements and conditions for re-opening.

The opening of the bridge removes the traffic disruptions to the Karot dam project, greatly improving the accessibility at the both banks of the Jhelum River and significantly enhancing the local road and traffic conditions.