Goa: Traffic hit on pothole-ridden Borim bridge

PONDA: Borim bridge has developed several potholes affecting the traffic movement. Regular commuters said the potholes on the bridge have been an annual issue.
Borim sarpanch Sunil Sawkar said the potholes have been developed due to hasty asphalting work of the bridge done during a recent VVIP visit.
“The public works department (PWD) tried to solve the issue by covering the potholes with rubble, but the rubble washes away with rain. Moreover, two wheeler riders lose control over vehicles while riding on the rubble,” said a motorcyclist.
The bridge, constructed by the Goa government in 1986, serves as the only link between Ponda and Salcete talukas and currently, heavy vehicles are diverted to Borim bridge due to the weak condition of Zuari Bridge.
A source from the PWD’s national highway division said the entire wearing coat (upper layer) of the bridge has been damaged and they will need at least two months to repair the coat. “However, we cannot stop the traffic movement for two months and can be taken up immediately once the Zuari bridge is opened for heavy traffic,” he said.
Normally a bridge has either a concrete wearing coat or asphalt wearing coat. The Borim bridge has a concrete wearing coat, but it was covered with an asphalt coat after commuters had complained of potholes.
“While the strengthening work was on two years ago, it was found that the concrete coat of the bridge has been damaged. The consultant company has agreed to repair the coat, but it needs traffic closure for two months to repair it,” the source said.