The Tau Bridge in Enga Province recently had a new steel deck put in place after being considered as a high risk link.
The Bridge in Maip, Mulitaka, in Laiagam-Porgera underwent a structural maintenance following a formal request from the Department of Works (DoW) to Porgera miner Barrick (Niugini) Limited (BNL).
Early last month, the Porgera Joint Venture (PJV) Community Projects Road Works team replaced the decks on the 25 metre, eight-bay, compact 100 Bailey Bridge.
It is located about 46km down the Highway from the Porgera Gold Mine.
The PJV Local Procurement Policy was used to engage local contractors for the work on the bridge.
Funding for the work on Tau Bridge will be made in an application to the Department of National Planning and Monitoring (DNPM) for retrospective funding to be approved.
Many of the Highlands Highway works are a result of a high level survey stretching from Lae to Porgera, and from that a priority rating against risk of failure was applied.
The high risk locations between Wabag and Porgera have been included in PJV’s current work schedule.
Members of the Royal PNG Constabulary (RPNGC) currently on Police operations in Porgera were also on location for the works on the bridge.