Atamurat-Kerkichi Bridge, Double bridge across Amu Darya River in Lebap Region, Turkmenistan
The Atamurat-Kerkichi Bridge is a double-deck crossing over the Amu Darya River featuring separate tracks for trains and vehicles. It stretches about 1,400 meters and carries both forms of traffic side by side.
A Ukrainian company built this modern crossing in 2009 to replace an earlier wooden structure from around 1880. The new bridge was needed to handle growing transportation needs between the regions.
The bridge connects towns on either side of the river, making it a daily crossing point for locals and travelers moving between communities.
The crossing handles wide temperature swings and heavy vehicles thanks to its special polymer coating that resists expansion and contraction. Separate tracks for trains and vehicles mean each type of traffic follows its own path.
The structure was engineered to withstand earthquakes up to magnitude 9, a protective feature unusual for crossings in this region. This seismic strength is evident in the reinforced elements that support the entire span.
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