Only two-wheelers will be permitted through the narrow iron bridge (Irumbu Palam) at Thripunithura owing to the dangerous condition of the heritage structure.
An engineering marvel, the bridge’s condition had worsened forcing the authorities to restrict vehicular movement. Flex boards have been set up on either side of the bridge stating that only two-wheelers will be allowed to ply through it. The local population had suggested setting up boards at points ahead of the bridge to help four-wheelers avoid the route.
Officials of the Public Works Department said that tarring works to fill the potholes on the bridge would be carried out soon for the benefit of those using two-wheelers.
The bridge was constructed in 1890 by Westwood and Baillie & Co., a Victorian engineering and construction company based at London Yard, Cubitt Town, London.
It was built during the reign of Kerala Varma V. It connected the western and eastern banks of the river popularly called the Padinjare Puzha (the western river).