Two-wheelers and autorickshaws are allowed to use it
File photo.
GETTING READY: Workers engaged in laying reinforced weathering coat on Periyar Bridge.
KULITHALAI: Traffic will remain suspended on Periyar Bridge across River Cauvery connecting Kulithalai in Karur district and Musiri in Tiruchi district till November 15 as the repair work is not yet over.
The Highways Department had planned to reopen vehicular traffic on the bridge by October 31 but intermittent rains have delayed it.
While laying of weathering coat on the surface of the bridge has been completed, curing work on the surface, laying of foot path slab and construction of hand rail posts were continuing.
Completion of those works would take another fortnight, officials said. Traffic would be allowed on the bridge from November 15, according to Highways Divisional Engineer S. P. Palanivelu.
Two-wheelers and passenger autorickshaws are allowed to use the bridge. Heavy vehicle traffic on Periyar Bridge has remained suspended since August 31 for carrying out major repair works. The first phase of the repair works including replacement of rubber bearings were carried out between June 15 and 20 with traffic remaining partially suspended. About 350 rubber bearings on 35 piers were replaced.
During the ongoing second phase of repair works, it was felt that the endeavour would be affected if vehicular traffic were to be allowed.
The second phase would see the re-laying of weathering coat of the 1,500-metre-long bridge.
Officials reasoned that were traffic to be allowed on one stretch, work would be affected due to the vibrations caused. Also it would not be possible to lay alternative route for the whole length of the river.
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