Client: Department Roads
Funding Agency: Department for International Development (DFID)
Period: June, 1998 to December ,2002
Consulting Association: WSP International, UK, GEOCE Consultants (P) Ltd
Approx. Value of Services: Total- US$ 2.37 million, WSP-US$ 2.04 million GEOCE’s part- US$ 0.333 million
Professional Staff Input: International (110) and National (102) person months
Salient Details:
The purpose of the project was to develop and enhance Nepal’s bridge sector, by extending the use of local materials, using appropriate technologies and engaging local communities in the construction and maintenance of bridges. It was the first bridge project in Nepali road sector aimed at strengthening the DOR’s capacity to manage the bridge assets in the Strategic Road Network (SRN) and enhance the Private sector skills to provide bridge design, construction and maintenance services. The project focus was to ensure all year use of two key roads (Narayanghat-Butwal section of East –West Highway and Biratnagar-Rangeli) on the national road network. The Project cost is US$ 6.65 million.
The scope of services was divided into two phase-Design and Construction Supervision. The design phase services included (i) engineering survey, hydrological survey and geotechnical investigation of 5 bridges and 4 large multi-cell culvert sites; (ii) bridge condition survey of 30 bridges identified for backlog maintenance; (iii) design of 2 bridges (more than 100 m length) to replace existing causeways at Jharai and Kawasoti in Butwal-Narayanghat section of East-West Highway and 3 bridges (Cheka, 40m; Judi, 25m; Chisang, 75m) and 4 large multiple cell culverts (Mariya, 5.5m; Baluwa, 10.5m; Gadiya, 9m and Kersiya, 15m) to replace existing wooden bridges in Biratnagar-Rangeli road; and (iv) design of bridge maintenance measures for 30 bridges. Introduction of appropriate technologies for construction of deep bored foundation; introduction of use of local, bamboo construction, skills to construct temporary pedestrian bridges and soft river bunds and groynes to divert river flow; conduct a baseline and a social impact assessment survey on target communities living along the semi-urban road corridor and using this in developing contract documents aimed at greater engagement of local communities in the construction phase
In Construction Supervision Phase, the services consisted of (i) construction supervision of 4 RCC bridges and 5 large RCC culverts and associated works (approach roads 1 km, river training and bridge protection) divided into four works packages (Package A:Jharai Bridge, NRs. 35 million; Package B : Kawasoti Bridge, NRs 35 million; Package C : Cheka & Judi Bridges and Baluwa, Gadiya and Kersiya culverts, NRs. 55 million; and Package D : Chisang Bridge and Mariya culvert, NRs. 41 million); (ii) supervision of maintenance work for 30 bridges, which were undertaken in conjunction with respective Division Offices of the DoR; and (iii) assistance to DOR to improve and enhance bridge design and maintenance capability. Provided training to DOR staff in bridge unit and legal department to prepare defense material for arbitration hearings and organized seminar/workshops on dispute avoidance with purpose to raise sector-wide awareness on dispute resolution.
