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Periyar Bridge across the Cauvery to undergo Rs. 2.5-crore renovation

Staff Reporter

The work is expected to start in two months

KULITHALAI: The Periyar Bridge across the Cauvery, the longest river bridge in the State at 1.47 km, is all set to undergo a major renovation at a cost of Rs. 2.50 crore. The work is expected to commence in about two months.

Construction of the bridge started in 1972 at an estimated cost of Rs. 95 lakh and was completed in 1979 at a revised estimate of Rs. 1.72 crore. There are 35 spans each measuring 40.23 metres in addition to the approach roads.

The bridge was perhaps the first major one to be constructed as a "pre-stressed concrete T-beam structure'' in the State. Also, the bridge was among the first where toll was collected to meet the cost of construction.

While natural elements steadily took a toll on the bridge components, the heavy sand laden lorries only added to the misery. Yet, the bridge never underwent any major repair or maintenance work.

The people of Kulithalai and Musiri alleged that despite the toll contract amount skyrocketing over Rs. 75 lakh a couple of years ago, authorities did not do much to maintain the bridge.

The Highways Department agreed that the bridge needed urgent repair and maintenance work. A couple of months back, experts from Freyssinet, a Mumbai-based private firm that specialises on constructing and repairing pre-stressed concrete structures, inspected the bridge and submitted their observations to the Government. A high level team of officials from the Highways Department studied the bridge a fortnight ago and corroborated the findings of the Mumbai firm, recommending renovation. Based on the reports, the Government has sanctioned Rs. 2.50 crore to repair and renovate the bridge.

As per the plans, the worn-out rubber bearings beneath girders will be replaced to minimise vibrations, while new expansion joints between the spans will be installed.

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