Himal Press 
KATHMANDU: The construction of a Bailey bridge over the Hewakhola River on the Mechi Highway is expected to be completed within 15 days.
Taplejung and some parts of Panchthar in eastern Nepal remain disconnected after floods on June 19 washed away the Hewakhola bridge.
Ramhari Pokharel, deputy director general of the Department of Roads (DoR), informed the RSS news agency that although floods sept away three bridges in eastern Nepal, the department has prioritized the construction of Hewakhola bridge.
The floods destroyed three bridges, one each on the Mechi Highway, Tamor Corridor Road, and Mid-Hills Highway.
According to the DoR, construction work on the Hewakhola bridge commenced one day after the flood. Since the foundation needs to be constructed first, the department has expedited the foundation-building process. While the foundation has already been erected on one side work is ongoing on the other side, according to the department.
“The workers have updated the DoR that the entire project will be completed in 15 days,” said Pokharel.
Pokharel also said the bridge is crucial for delivering construction materials for the Bailey bridges to be built on the Tamor Corridor Road and Mid-Hills Highway.
