Kodambakkam bridge opens, finally

Two-way traffic after nearly 2 months; work not complete yet

The work remaining on the bridge will be carried out only after the Corporation devises a plan to reduce inconvenience to motorists. Photo: B. Jothi Ramalingam

Two-way traffic flow was restored on Kodambakkam bridge on Wednesday, after nearly two months.

Motorists had some respite from traffic congestion, as a result.

However, the Chennai Corporation has completed concrete work on only one side of the bridge.

When the civic body sought extension of the traffic diversion, the traffic police refused, owing to opposition from residents and motorists.

However, buses will continue to be diverted through Rangarajapuram flyover, said a police officer.

Repairing and strengthening of Kodambakkam bridge, which serves as a crucial link to several localities such as Ashok Nagar, K.K. Nagar and Vadapalani, began four years ago. A proposal to use advanced technology to accelerate the work and open the stretch to traffic in 12 days failed to take off.

The civic body was unable to use heavy equipment with advanced technology because of the poor structural stability of the 50-year-old bridge.

Worn-out parts replaced

A chunk of the repair work on the bridge, including spraying of anti-corrosion material, polymer plastering and grouting, has been completed.

The civic body has also replaced most of the worn-out bearings between the pillars and deck slabs. Work on the Railways’ portion of the bridge was carried out last week.

The remaining portion of the repair work on the 623-metre-long and 12.8-metre-wide bridge will be permitted only after the Chennai Corporation’s engineers devise a plan to reduce inconvenience to motorists.