The Amar Mahal bridge in Chembur will undergo reconstruction of the 60-metre patch where damage was detected to its bearing last week. The work will keep the bridge closed for at least four months, said PWD Minister Chandrakant Patil on Monday.
“The bridge, a key link between Ghatkopar and Chembur, will be repaired in four months. The entire bridge will remain closed for vehicular traffic,” said Mr. Patil. “We have provided alternative routes till that time.”
P.L. Bongirwar, former secretary of the PWD and a member of the expert committee appointed for fixing the damage, said the traffic, especially the number of heavy vehicles, has increased in the last 22 years. Besides, the maximum capacity of a heavy vehicle has gone up to 30 tonnes from 12 tonnes.
Mr. Patil said, “We are in no mood to reopen the bridge immediately. The technology used for the construction is unique where various pieces were joined together. Its was completed by end of 1995. Now, we will replace the damaged piece only.”
Ashish Singh, principal secretary of the PWD, said the technology, Unishare, used for the construction, will not be used to reconstruct it. “We are in the process of finalising tenders, but we will also undertake the auditing of the remaining part of the bridge which has not shown any problem till now.”
