Coalition engineers build bridge for Afghans in Marjah

KABUL, AFGHANISTAN

12.28.2010

Courtesy Story

ISAF Joint Command

KABUL, Afghanistan – Coalition engineers fabricated a bridge at Camp Leatherneck in Helmand province, Dec. 21, which will later be installed in Marjah and serve as a permanent replacement for a medium-girder bridge.

The bridge is designed to last longer than typical medium-girder bridges and will provide safe and efficient passage for Afghans and coalition forces.

“We have numerous medium-girder bridges placed around Afghanistan, and we are trying to replace them,” said Navy Lt. j.g Joshua A. Senecal, construction officer for the project. “This way we can provide passage in other areas.”

The new bridge is a more permanent solution because it’s built into a canal, unlike medium girder bridges that are placed above a canal, explained Staff Sgt. David Marunowski, bridge platoon guide, Bravo Company, 8th Engineer Support Battalion, 1st Marine Logistics Group (Forward).

The new bridge will be transported to Marjah on a combat logistics patrol in six pieces, not including concrete footers, and will be assembled on-site, added Marunowski.

The new bridge was prefabricated into sections of steel and wood, which will make it easier to maintain.

“The wood is being used because it’s sturdy, and over time when it needs to be replaced, it will be easy,” said Marunowski. “It’s easy to replace wooden planks instead of replacing an entire [medium-girder bridge].”

The engineers said the installation of a more permanent bridge will have a positive effect on the local Afghan community.

“It will be a while before work has to be done on this bridge,” he added. “It will be easier for the local villagers to maintain and conduct maintenance on the bridge, and that will be long after we are gone.”

• Date Taken: 12.28.2010
• Date Posted: 12.28.2010 07:00
• Story ID: 62697
• Location: KABUL, AF