Karnataka - Gulbarga   

Thinthani bridge pillars have to be replaced: officials

Damaged: Cracks have developed on the surface of Thinthani bridge in Gulbarga district following damage to two pillars.

GULBARGA: Traffic on Thinthani bridge, which connects Gulbarga to Bangalore, remained suspended for the second day following the detection of damage to two pillars of the bridge on Friday afternoon.

According to information available, traffic will be suspended for at least 10 days for the pillars to be replaced. Temporary walls have been constructed at both ends of the bridge to prevent vehicles from using the bridge.

Laxmikanth, an expert on design and construction of bridges in the Public Works Department (PWD), Dharwad, inspected the damaged portion on Saturday.Mr. Laxmikanth refused to give any details about the nature of the damage.

However, other senior PWD officials on condition of anonymity told The Hindu that the damage to the pillars was minor and would not in any way endanger the bridge.

However, the officials admitted that the pillars would have to be reconstructed

Mr. Laxmikanth left for Bangalore to brief another bridge expert, Nagesh, and seek his opinion. The PWD will also consult a private company, Torsteel Research Foundation in India, which has dealt with such emergency repairs and reconstruction. Another team of experts from Bangalore consisting of PWD officials and officials from Torsteel are expected to arrive here in a day or two to take a final decision on how to replace the damaged pillars.

Traffic from Gulbarga has been diverted at Hattigudur via Deodurg and from Raichur district via Deodurg.

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