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Debris of bridge being cleared

Staff Reporter

KARUR: Workers started clearing the debris of the damaged portion of the new Amaravathy bridge at Thirumanilayur in Karur Town on Saturday. Floodwaters washed away the soil under the approach deck of the bridge and the pavement collapsed, even as cracks appeared across the width of the bridge on Friday.

Staff of the East Coast Construction and Industries (ECCI) Limited, Chennai, the firm that constructed the bridge and which has been enjoying the lease under the `Build, Operate, Lease, Transfer' model, arrived in strength and started assessing the extent of damage to the bridge. The Project Manager, ECCI, B. Thilakaraj, and the Senior Manager, S. Muruganandam, said clearing of the debris would begin immediately. Work on strengthening the approach deck and ramp would be taken up subsequently. More importantly, vehicular traffic over the bridge would be allowed possibly from Thursday, they said. Safety measures would be in place in the bridge area.

While the officials would not guess the estimated cost of repair, the damage portion was measured as 25 metres long and 10 metres wide. Assessment would be made in the coming days to strengthen the bridge enough to face the fury of any future floods, they said. All the works would be completed in two months, the company officials assured.

The firm had a 14-year contract to maintain the bridge and collect toll from vehicles crossing the bridge. Seven years of the contract period has elapsed. The total cost of construction came to Rs.13 crores.

Meanwhile, traffic was allowed on the Amaravathy causeway at Pasupathypalayam in the town. This gave some respite to the residents.

Mini buses hike fare

Meanwhile, vehicular traffic remains diverted through Sukkaliyur to access Karur Town from Sunga Gate area. Following this, mini bus operators have raised fares, taking into account the excess distance forced to travel. Now, instead of Rs.2 they now charge Rs.4 and in the place of the Rs.3 tickets they charge Rs.5.

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