Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (SP)

Mangaluru, Jul 27: Repair and restoration work on a pillar of the Maravoor bridge built across River Phalguni on Mangaluru-Atrady state highway that had jerked a little, has almost been finished. The bridge is likely to be thrown open for light motor vehicle movement from July 30 onwards.

The pillar that had become a little slant was brought back to its original position recently under the advice and supervision of expert engineers of the public works department. Some repair works were going on towards facilitating vehicular movement on the bridge. Now the work has been almost completed.

Maravoor bridge under repair (file photo)

On July 29, test will be performed to check whether the bridge is safe for vehicular traffic under the supervision of experts. If the test becomes successful, light vehicles including buses are likely to be allowed to move on the bridge, said PWD officials. No decision has yet been taken about allowing movement of heavy vehicles.

The bridge had suddenly developed a crack during the early morning hours on June 15 after one of the pillars supporting the bridge jerked all of a sudden. A local who observed the development, had informed the police after which vehicles were barred from moving on the bridge. People going to the airport, Bajpe, Kateel, and Adyapady etc were forced to take a detour as a result. The bridge is likely to be opened after remaining closed for about one and a half month.