Jamuna Bridge | Gazipur

Information

Landmark: Jamuna Bridge
City: Gazipur
Country: Bangladesh
Continent: Asia

Jamuna Bridge, Gazipur, Bangladesh, Asia

The Jamuna Bridge is a road-rail bridge spanning the Jamuna River in Bangladesh. It is located in Gazipur District.

Visual Characteristics

The bridge is a concrete and steel structure. It consists of 49 spans, with a total length of 4.97 kilometers. The deck carries a four-lane roadway and a single railway line. The main piers are constructed from reinforced concrete and are sunk deep into the riverbed. The color of the structure is predominantly grey concrete and weathered steel.

Location & Access Logistics

The Jamuna Bridge connects the eastern and western parts of Bangladesh. It is situated approximately 100 kilometers northwest of Dhaka, the capital city. Access from Dhaka is via National Highway 1 (N1) towards Tangail, then branching off to the bridge. From the west, it connects to National Highway 4 (N4). There is a dedicated toll plaza for vehicular traffic. Public transport, including buses and private vehicles, utilize the bridge. No specific bus lines are dedicated solely to the bridge crossing, but intercity bus services operate across it.

Historical & Ecological Origin

Construction of the Jamuna Bridge began in 1994 and was completed in 1998. It was built by a consortium led by Hyundai Engineering and Construction. The primary purpose was to facilitate transportation and communication between the two sides of the Jamuna River, which had previously been a significant barrier. The bridge's construction involved extensive geotechnical surveys and engineering to manage the river's strong currents and sediment load.

Key Highlights & Activities

Observation of the bridge's scale and engineering is the primary activity. Pedestrian access is restricted to designated walkways. Vehicular traffic crossing the bridge is the main function. Photography of the structure and the river is possible from designated viewpoints near the toll plazas.

Infrastructure & Amenities

Restrooms are available at the toll plaza areas on both sides of the bridge. Shade is limited to the toll plaza structures. Cell phone signal (4G/5G) is generally available across the bridge. Food vendors are typically located at the service areas near the toll plazas.

Best Time to Visit

For photography, early morning or late afternoon provides optimal lighting conditions, avoiding harsh midday sun. The dry season, from November to March, offers the most stable weather for travel and viewing, with lower river levels and less rainfall.

Facts & Legends

The Jamuna Bridge is one of the longest bridges in South Asia. During its construction, significant challenges were faced due to the river's dynamic nature, including shifting sandbars and strong currents, requiring innovative engineering solutions for pier foundation placement.