Kodambakkam bridge will be opened for two-way traffic for light vehicles from Saturday. From the New Year, the Chennai Corporation and the traffic police will permit heavy vehicles on the bridge.
The civic body began work on the 50-year-old bridge four years ago. But the work was delayed owing to litigation, clearance from the railway authorities and traffic restrictions. The civic body had also sought the extension of the traffic diversion in the past few months. But the traffic police refused, owing to opposition from residents and motorists.
Following the completion of restoration work, motorists are expected to get some respite from traffic congestion. The Corporation completed concrete work on both sides of the bridge a few days ago. “Buses and other heavy vehicles will continue to be diverted through Rangarajapuram flyover,” a Corporation official said.
The repair work included spraying of anti-corrosion material, polymer plastering, grouting and replacing the worn-out bearings between the pillars and deck slabs. The 623m-long and 12.8m-wide bridge will remain a key aspect of the city’s traffic infrastructure for another 50 years.
