Leave it to one of my fellow Scots to sabotage the most notorious bridge in history. Good job, buddy, good job.
The wooden bridge was temporary. The concrete and steel bridge, which still exists, was operational within a few months after the wooden bridge was completed.
And it was not actually on the River Kwai, which is actually spelled Kwae, but a larger river that runs parallel to it. The two rivers merge a mile or so below the bridge. Because of the book and movie the Thais changed the name of the part of the larger river with the bridge to Kwae Yai (big Kwae) and renamed the Kwae as Kwae Noi (little Kwae).
I’ve been up there a few times, and will be going back with the kids.