Cauvery bridge repairs on Tiruchi-Chennai route due for completion by October 15
Repairs to the Cauvery bridge on the Chennai–Tiruchi–Madurai National Highway are expected to finish by October 15, according to Tiruchi MP Durai Vaiko and National Highways Authority of India sources. The closure since June has diverted traffic and contributed to severe congestion across Srirangam and nearby routes.
Repair and maintenance work on the Cauvery bridge on the Chennai–Tiruchi–Madurai National Highway is expected to be completed by October 15, according to Tiruchi Member of Parliament Durai Vaiko and sources in the National Highways Authority of India. The bridge has been closed since June 25, forcing traffic onto the other carriageway between Sanjeevi Nagar Junction and Kondayampettai. The diversion has contributed to severe congestion on the Tiruchi-Chennai Trunk Road through Srirangam.
Residents have reported long delays between No. 1 Tollgate and Anna Statue Junction, with traffic also backing up at Chinthamani, the old Cauvery bridge, the Thiruvanaikovil overbridge and the Kollidam bridge. Built in 1963, the bridge is undergoing extensive repairs estimated to cost ₹10 crore.
The work includes replacing 120 bridge bearings, maintaining 14 support pillars, repairing 16 strip-seal expansion joints and strengthening the structure. NHAI sources said all 120 bearings had been replaced and work on 15 of the 16 expansion joints had been completed. Repairs to the final joint and the pedestrian pathway were under way.
Vaiko said NHAI officials had previously indicated that the project would finish by October 10 but required additional time because of further work. He said he had asked them to avoid delays because of congestion on alternative routes and the approaching Deepavali festival season. The bridge was last repaired in 2010.
Its reopening is expected to ease traffic pressure on the routes currently carrying diverted vehicles.
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