Repair works on Cauvery bridge on in full swing

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Workers carrying out the repair work on the old Cauvery bridge on Chennai Bypass in Tiruchi. | Photo Credit: M. MOORTHY

More than 50% of the repair and maintenance works taken up on the old Cauvery bridge on the Chennai-Tiruchi–Madurai National Highway have been completed so far.

Built in 1963, the bridge situated on Chennai Bypass is undergoing extensive repairs at an estimated cost of ₹10 crore. It was closed on June 25 to facilitate repairs by the National Highways Authority of India’s concessionaire maintaining the section and traffic has been diverted via the other carriageway between Sanjeevi Nagar Junction and Kondayampettai.

The work includes replacing 120 bridge bearings, maintaining 14 support pillars, repairing 16 strip-seal expansion joints, and carrying out structural strengthening measures. The bridge was last repaired in 2010.

Given the heavy volume of traffic on the highway and the approaching festival season, the NHAI has expedited the work. At present, the works are under way round-the-clock in two shifts and are expected to be completed by mid-October.

So far, 60 bearings have been replaced and the remaining ones are expected to be replaced over the next 15 days. Simultaneously works are under way on the strengthening of the pillars and the pedestrian pathway on the bridge. Replacing the strip seal expansion joints are expected to be completed by September.

The absence of water flow in the river due to the delayed commencement of the irrigation season has given a much needed window for the NHAI to carry out the work. However, the sources said measures are in place to ensure that the work continued without any hindrance even if water were to be released from the Mettur dam for irrigation.

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