DHANUSHA: Dozens of bridges in Dhanusha and Mahottari districts along the East-West Highway have worn out, risking the lives of travellers in the area. Bridges over Basai, Aaurahi, Hardinath, Jalad, Charnath and Kamal rivers in Dhanusha and Ratu, Bhabsi, Gandanta, Maraha, Dholan and Banke rivers in Mahottari have become weaker with the unchecked excavation of sand underneath them. According to the Janakpur Road Division Office, if the situation continues, the bridges might give way any day. In the 21-km road stretch of Dhanusha, there are 11 bridges, among which 10 are in dilapidated conditions. Another 77-km road stretch adjoining the district with Sarlahi has 40 small and big bridges. At least 39 bridges built with the support of the then Soviet Russia and India 1972 are on verge of collapse, the RDO added. Similarly, 15 brides over Banke, Dulan, Bhabsi, Maraha, Jungaha and Ratu rivers in the 17-km road stretch in Mahottari are becoming weaker because of the illegal excavation taking place under them. Locals here have already urged the government to repair these bridges along the Highway that links various parts of the country.