The proposals include the total reconstruction of the carriageway and footpaths in the area as well as work to strengthen Pulrose bridge.

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The flexible, 140-seat auditorium and presentation area, will feature a puppet bridge for string puppet operators to work from and a floor trench for rod puppet operation.

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We were joined beside the bridge by ironworkers, laborers, and carpenters from the area, some of whom have been out of work for months on end.

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Yet area residents say they've seen no progress since then, while work on a towering bridge nearby, intended to supplement the rickety old one in Dandong, has slowed to a snail's pace.

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