The three bridge projects in Bangladesh are the renovation of the Kanchpur Bridge, Meghna Bridge, and Gumti Bridge, all located on National Highway 1 connecting the capital Dhaka to the second capital Chittagong, and the construction of a second bridge parallel to each of the existing bridges.

The project will contribute to the overall economic revitalization of Bangladesh by addressing the need to prevent scour (*1) caused by rising river levels, improve the seismic resistance and safety of bridges, and meet rapidly increasing traffic demand.

In this construction project, a method of integrating the old and new foundations with steel pipe sheet piles was chosen for the pier substructure. For the superstructure of the new bridge, narrow steel box girders, composite floor slabs, and the launching method were used to minimize site work and shorten construction time. The improved durability of the floor slab has also led to lower maintenance costs in the future.

The award was given in recognition of the introduction and transfer of many Japanese construction technologies, including the use of the steel pipe sheet pile well foundation, narrow steel box girders, and composite floor slabs; measures against dust, noise, and water pollution, as well as the consideration given to the ecology and environment; and the safety measures taken for workers and local residents by adopting the same level of safety standards as those followed in Japan.

• *1 Scour
  Wearing off of shore and riverbank's soil by waves, running water, and rain