Japan-funded Dawbon Bridge is now open in central Yangon, easing traffic congestion in Myanmar's commercial capital.
The new bridge officially opened last Saturday over a branch of the Bago River in commemoration of Japan-Myanmar Friendship Day. Tokyo and Japanese contractors contributed ¥4.2 billion ($38 million) to the project.
The 253-meter bridge, also known as the New Thaketa Bridge, connects crowded Dawbon township with Mingalar Taungnyunt, a popular wholesale and retail area of Yangon. It is intended to promote access to the Thilawa Special Economic Zone, which hosts a number of Japanese firms.