The Hindu : Tamil Nadu News : Bridge across Kollidam develops cracks

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Wednesday, Apr 16, 2008
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Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu

Bridge across Kollidam develops cracks

Special Correspondent

Traffic stopped and diverted on an another route

Overworked: The bridge, which developed cracks in Anakarai near Kumbakonam in Thanjavur District on Tuesday.

KUMBAKONAM: Traffic was stopped for more than two hours and diverted on an another route on Tuesday following a crack developed on the lower side of the bridge across Kollidam at Anaikarai near Kumbakonam.

The bridge which is more than 150 years old is linking Thanjavur-Kumbakonam with Chennai and remains the main route for the capital city.

Though the bridge has outlived its utility, it continued to serve as the main link.

The crack for six meters was noticed by Public Works Department engineers this morning and traffic was stopped.

Revenue Department officials, PWD engineers visited the spot. Repair works were started by the PWD engineers.

Road roko

People of the Anaikarai area staged a road roko demanding construction of a new bridge.

They said that they have been organising agitation to construct new bridge in the place of old bridge which is more than 150 years old and built by British engineers.

The highways minister had also recently said in the Assembly that many bridges which were more than hundred years old have been identified and steps taken to replace them with new ones. Anikarai Bridge should be given top priority as it helps people of three districts Thanjavur, Perambalur and Ariyalur, people said.

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