Work on the construction of a bridge linking Tiruvanaikovil Road and Kallanai Road across Coleroon is on in full swing. The bridge would link Kilikoodu village in Tiruchi district and Koviladi in Thanjavur district.
The bridge is being constructed at a distance of about one km from the Grand Anicut. The Highways Department has taken all precautionary measures to prevent entry of water near the construction site by forming a bund, although the Grand Anicut is now bone-dry due to failure of monsoon.
The government has sanctioned ₹ 67 crore for the bridge which will be one km in length. The bridge will have 25 spans each 42 metres long with a diameter of 2 metres. The work is expected to be completed within two-and-a-half years.
An official of the Highways Department said that the bridge was the long felt-need of the residents of both Thanjavur and Tiruchi districts and also of heavy vehicle operators. Presently, only light vehicles and autorickshaws can be operated through the existing bridge.
Farmers would be the largest beneficiaries as they would be able to operate trucks and tractors.
“Both Thanjavur and Tiruchi districts are agriculturally inter-linked districts. The bridge will form a short link between Tiruchi and Kumbakonam via Tirukattupaali, Tiruvaiyaru and Papanasam. Presently, the farmers have to take a detour via Thanjavur,” he added.
With the bridge, the distance between Tiruchi and Kumbakonam will be reduced by about 25 km.
