Turkmenistan, Ashgabat, Dec. 8 / Trend H.Hasanov /
The Altcom financial and industrial group based in Donetsk, Ukraine started the construction of the Atamurat-Kerkichi road bridge across the Amu Darya River in Turkmenistan in April, local media reported. The bridge could withstand an earthquake measuring nine on the Richter scale. Construction is on time and the bridge will open in October 2012 as planned.
The Turkmen Dovlet khabarlary state news service reported that experts have already started to implement the main and most important activity - river drilling operations for the bridge pillars.
The Vatan newspaper reported that a huge flow of large vehicles from Turkey, Iran, Russia, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan and other countries move through complex floating pontoon bridges.
The commissioning of modern road bridges across the Amu Darya, meeting international standards, will significantly increase the volume of transit traffic.
Media also reported that shore protection structures have already been constructed and the industrial, technical, material and social base has been established for the project.
The bridge was designed by specialists of the Soyuztransproekt and Ukrgiprobudmost research institutes in Kiev. Its total length with coastal fortifications will reach 1,415 meters, with a width of 11.5 meters. It is planned to construct 14 supporting pillars at a river depth of 50 meters.
The facility will contribute to the implementation of programs to accelerate the development of the Amu Darya basin's richest mineral resources. Large industrial complexes are being built in the area to produce potash fertilizer and cement and to develop hydrocarbon resources.
In September 2009, the Atamurat-Kerkichi railway bridge opened across the Amu Darya River.