People living in Puttige and nearby villages have expressed concern about the poor condition of the Puttige Bridge on the Udupi-Tirthahalli National Highway 169A, which connects Udupi and Shivamogga.
As the Swarna has dried up due to summer heat, the lower portion of the bridge is clearly visible now.
In a statement here, Ganeshraj Saralebettu, social worker, said that the lower portion of the bridge was clearly visible because the water in the Swarna had completely dried. One of the pillars of the bridge appeared to be standing precariously.
There was also a crack on the upper portion of the bridge. A large number of vehicles used the bridge. It was dangerous if the bridge was left without any repairs. It was essential that engineers examined the foundation of the bridge and take necessary action immediately so that it remained intact, he said.
Meanwhile, Deputy Commissioner Priyanka Mary Francis said that she had intimated the Executive Engineer of National Highways Department about the condition of the bridge.
Assistant Executive Engineer, National Highways Department, Ravi B. told The Hindu that he inspected the bridge on Monday. The department had sought the services of a bridge design consultant from Bengaluru and he would visit the spot in a couple of days and give his opinion on the remedial measures.
“We will act as per the opinion of the consultant. There is no immediate danger to the bridge. A report on the bridge will be submitted soon to Ms. Francis,” he said.
Assistant Engineer, National Highways Department, Manjunath Nayak said that nothing had happened to the foundation of the bridge. While constructing the bridge, a cylindrical pre-cast structure had been installed on a rock. The concrete on the sides of the structure had scoured due to rainwater. But the structure was safe, he said.
