Burma / Myanmar: View from train crossing the Goteik (Gohteik) Viaduct in Shan State between Pyin U Lwin (Maymyo) and Lashio

The Goteik viaduct (also known as Gohteik and Gokteik viaduct) is a railway trestle in Nawnghkio, western Shan State, Myanmar (also known as Burma). The bridge is between the two towns of Pyin U Lwin, the summer capital of the former British colonial administrators of Burma, and Lashio, the principal town of northern Shan State. It is the highest bridge in Myanmar and when it was completed, the largest railway trestle in the world. The bridge is located approximately 100 km northeast of Mandalay.

The bridge was constructed in 1899 and completed in 1900 by Pennsylvania and Maryland Bridge Construction. The components were made by the Pennsylvania Steel Company, and the parts were shipped from the United States. The rail line was constructed as a way for the British Empire to expand their influence in the region. The construction project was overseen by Sir Arthur Rendel, engineer for the Burma Railroad Company.

The viaduct stretches 689 meters (2,260 feet) from end to end with 15 towers which span 40 feet (12 meters) along with a double tower 24 meters (80 feet) long. The 15 towers support 10 deck truss spans of 37 meters (120 feet) along with six plate girder spans 18 meters (60 feet) long and an approach span of 12 meters (40 feet). Many sources have put the height of the bridge at 250 meters (820 feet). This is supposedly a measurement to the river level as it flows underground through a tunnel at the point it passes underneath the trestle. The true height of the bridge as measured from the rail deck to the ground on the downstream side of the tallest tower is 102 meters (335 feet). The cost of the bridge construction was £111,200 (Pounds sterling).

Copyright:

CPA Media Co. Ltd.

Photographer:

Oliver Hargreave

Credit:

Pictures From Asia