Heavy vehicles banned on bridge

Thiruvananthapuram: As public works department (PWD) is gearing up for construction of a temporary bridge at Vallakkadavu, movement of heavy vehicles through the old dilapidated bridge will be banned. District collector has directed police to restrict vehicles weighing over 3 tonnes on the bridge.
PWD executive engineer has recently sent a letter to city police commissioner requesting to take steps to restrict traffic. Though the department has put up a board restricting movement of heavy vehicles, motorists have been ignoring this. Sources in PWD said that they had attempted to divert heavy vehicles. However, residents have been ignoring the warning sign and therefore police should step to enforce the same.

The bridge, which was constructed in 1887, connects the city with its west side that includes Beemapally, Valiyathura, domestic airport, etc. Heavy vehicles take the bridge to each the Food Corporation of India godown.

Meanwhile, the social impact assessment study has been started for the reconstruction of Vallakadavu bridge. The PWD is hoping to start work after completing land acquisition within a year.

The construction of the temporary bridge, which was awarded to Vizhinjam-based contractor Noohukhan for an amount of Rs 79 lakh, is expected to start soon.

Following delay in reconstruction of the century-old bridge, human rights activist Ragam Rahim had approached the human rights commission two years ago.

Rahim’s petition and a public interest litigation at high court had made PWD initiate steps for the construction.

However, there have been local protests opposing the reconstruction. The people have been demanding an alternative route, which will be a reality with the temporary mud bridge in three months.