Nagpur: The widened Ambazari bridge was opened a month ago but there is no end to the plight of motorists who endured traffic congestion for almost six months during the construction stage. Motorists and local residents are peeved at the state Public Works Department (PWD) for neglecting construction of the approach roads to the bridge leading to accidents.
TOI has frequently reported on the problems faced by motorists ever since the PWD started dismantling the bridge in May this year. Several nearby areas, including IT Park Road, Mate Square and others grappled with major traffic chaos. Finally, after several delays, the PWD opened one side of the bridge, which was widened at the cost of Rs7.54cr, on October 11.
On Monday, TOI spotted that both sides of the bridge have been opened but work is yet to start for concretizing the approach roads.
"We faced traffic snarls while the bridge work lingered on for months. Now, when the bridge is finally open, the approach roads are in a very poor condition. There is loose gravel scattered on the road, and every time a car passes the gravel flies off and hits someone. Also, the increased height of the bridge has created a steep slope at its approaches on both sides. Many vehicles are skidding and motorists are even falling because of the bad approach roads," said Vivek Rahate, a regular commuter.
Dust raised from the road surface is causing air pollution, said local residents.
PWD had earlier claimed that concretization of approach roads will start within a few days after opening one side of the bridge.
A senior PWD official told TOI that the side of the bridge which was first opened for traffic would be closed for approach road concretization. "The downstream side of the bridge would be closed from Tuesday. Concretization work will take three days and 21 more days would be needed for curing. Approach road work for the other side would start after that," said the official.
Interestingly, a senior official of the traffic police claimed that they have not given permission to close one side of the bridge. "This being the election phase, many candidates are visiting the area for campaigning. We can not allow PWD to close the road again. The permission for the same would be given most probably after elections," said the official. This implies there is lack of communication between the PWD and traffic police.