The Balaminhtin-Irrawaddy River Bridge in Myitkyina, the capital of Kachin State will be closed on March 12 for repairs. The announcement of the closure was made by the Burmese military junta.
 
The bridge pillar number 3 (P-3) slopes into the water and if we look carefully, the bridge appears slanted, an eyewitness in Myitkyina told KNG.
 
Residents said the authorities have declared the closure of the bridge but they have not announced when it will be reopened.  The Bridge connects Myitkyina to Waingmaw Township.
 
"We just heard of the closure date but we have no idea when the bridge will be reopened," a resident told KNG.
 
With the closing of the bridge, students who will be sitting for their tenth standard examination on March 10 will face problems of transportation. Some students from Myitkyina also have to take their examinations in Wai Maw and if the bridge is closed, they will have to go by powered schooner.
 
On the other hand, residents and businessmen mostly use the bridge for transporting goods and for their business. Now they are worried about the closure.
 
The Balaminhtin-Irrawaddy Bridge was constructed by a Burmese engineer and it was opened by the former Prime Minister Gen. Khin Nyunt in 1998.