Anna Arch, the landmark of Anna Nagar, is on its way to regain its glory.
On Saturday, stacking of steel cribs for a height of nearly 13.5 metre beneath the damaged arch was nearly completed. Once the nearly 400 steel cribs are clamped to hold the structure, the crane holding up the arch is set to be removed on Sunday.
According to sources in the Highways Department, these cribs would bear the weight of the arch, which may weigh over 100 tonnes, until the damage to the structure is assessed. The damaged iron rods would be replaced and be reinforced with concrete.
The State government had recently directed the Highways department to repair the arches, which were to give way for Rs.117-crore flyover coming up at the junction of Poonamallee High Road and Third Avenue. The department is planning to change the alignment slightly to make use of the piles laid.
The restoration work of the twin arches would also include patching up small cracks and ensuring their stability. The statue of former Chief Minister C.N. Annadurai would also be restored.
Sources said once the work to restore the arches is over, traffic congestion in the area would come down. The restoration would be completed in four months.
