Housing: Bridge beams installed deeper than anticipated

Ministry of Housing and Infrastructure has said that the beams holding up the China-Maldives Friendship Bridge between Malé and Hulhulé had to be installed deeper than originally anticipated.

Responding to a question from Sun Media on the press visit to the ongoing bridge construction site, Housing Minister, Dr. Mohamed Muizzu said that some beams had to be installed deeper than the estimation. With the deepest beam going 100 meters below the sea bed.

Dr. Muizzu said that the average beam depth is at 60.70 meters. He said that the changes did not have any affect of the price of the project.

While 22 of 35 beams of the main bridge have been installed with concrete, 40 out of the 80 beams of the approach bridge has been installed as well.

Ministry Dr. Muizzu said that all concrete work of the beams would be completed by May and they are trying to complete the phase even sooner.

The next phase would be the packing of of the beams which is estimated to be completed by August according to the Housing Minister. He said that the superstructure parts of the bridge is currently being built in China.

Dr. Muizzu said that the bridge project is going on track with the work schedule and the bridge is expected to be in use in September 2018.