KUALA LUMPUR:The Malaysian Army (TDM) expects to complete the construction of a Compact Bailey 200 bridge in Kampung Belimbing, Maran, in Pahang tomorrow following the collapse of the original structure due to heavy river erosion, recently.

TDM in a statement said the construction of the second bridge was carried out to reconnect the three affected locations -- Kampung Serengkam, Sri Makmur and Sri Jaya.

"The construction of the bridge by a team of the 91 Auxiliary Regiment, was conducted after the first bridge was completed in Kampung Lechar, Ulu Dong in Raub.

"Construction of the bridge started yesterday and is expected to be completed tomorrow," according to the statement, because as many as 2,600 residents in the three affected locations will benefit from the construction of the bridge.

Earlier, Bernama reported that residents in Kampung Lenchar and several areas around Ulu Dong near here, breathed a sigh of relief when the Compact Bailey 200 bridge was completed after the bridge connecting the village with Pekan Ulu Dong collapsed on Jan 3.

The only bridge connecting the 500 residents in the area collapsed due to soil erosion by strong currents of Sungai Dong, causing them to be cut-off for almost five days, while other existing roads are very far away.

-- BERNAMA