A new bridge that willlink the Red Hills Bazaar and Grand North Trunk Road is expected to be completed by the end of this month.
The four-lane bridge is being constructed by the State Highways Department to replace an old bridge that collapsed in 2000. Officials said the 60-metre long and 21-m wide bridge, work on which began in June last year, is estimated to cost Rs. 7 crore. Footpaths are also being provided on the bridge.
Meanwhile, work on widening Bazaar Road into a four-lane road and constructing a median has been completed. Along with the work on the bridge, the laying of approach roads and widening another 100 m would be taken up.
Residents said that a granite lorry had caused the old bridge to collapse, but the work to construct a replacement was taken up only last year.
“During this period, an alternative route was created and vehicles started taking the new bypass,” said a resident.
M. Jayapalan of the Red Hills Paddy and Rice Wholesale Merchants' Association said that at least one or two accidents happened every week at the intersection where vehicles turned to Red Hills from the National Highway-5. “When the bridge is completed it will help reduce traffic at that junction. A proper signal at that point and a roundabout will help,” he said.
