Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (DV)

Mangaluru, Jul 29: The restoration work of Maravooru bridge pier No. 8 on Mangaluru-Athradi SH-67 has been completed. The bridge will be open for all types of vehicular movement from Friday July 30 afternoon.

According to officials, one of the pier foundations, which sank into the river on June 15 has been restored successfully. The test to check the capacity of the structure to take IRC loads has also been conducted.

The load testing was carried out using state-of-the-art instruments which are best in the industry. The instruments were used for the first time in south India. The bridge is recommended to allow IRC loads upto 70R. An official communication will be issued on Friday after taking all the reports in writing by morning, stated official sources.

Yashawanth Kumar S, executive engineer, PWD, Mangaluru division, informed that the load test on the bridge has been conducted. "The test was successful. After submitting the report to the deputy commissioner (DC) and getting his approval, the bridge will be open for all types of vehicular movement from 4 pm tomorrow," he said.

DC Dr Rajendra K V informed that after receiving the reports, a formal notification will be issued on Friday.

It may be recalled, Maravoor bridge, the vital lifeline of road transport in the city that connects to the international airport, had developed a crack due to heavy rain that lashed on the night of June 15. The first span of the bridge, while moving from Mangaluru city to Bajpe airport, had collapsed to about three feet depth and standing in a precarious manner.

Locals then alleged that the sand mining that is going on below the bridge in the Gurpur river might have led to the crack.