Thanlwin Bridge, Railway and road bridge in Mawlamyine, Myanmar.
Thanlwin Bridge is a combined railway and road bridge that spans the Thanlwin River between Mawlamyine and Mottama, in southeastern Myanmar. It runs about 6,589 m (4.1 mi) in length and carries separate lanes for vehicles, trains, and pedestrians.
Work on the bridge started in March 2000 and it opened in April 2005, closing a long gap in the road and rail network of the country. Before it was finished, a ferry was the only way to cross the river at this point.
The bridge connects Mawlamyine to Mottama and allows people on both banks to travel daily for work or markets without relying on a ferry. On the road level, motorbikes, buses, and trucks move side by side, giving the crossing a busy everyday feel.
A visit is easiest during the dry season, when the river is calmer and the views along the crossing are clearer. Pedestrians should stick to the designated walkway, as vehicle and train traffic on the bridge can be heavy.
The bridge was built exactly where the Thanlwin, Gyaing, and Attayan rivers meet, which means you can see three rivers from a single point on the crossing. This confluence makes it one of the most geographically unusual bridge sites in the country.
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