Old Kulur Bridge Closed for Repair Work- Vehicles Plying from Both Directions to Use Existing New Kulur Bridge
Mangaluru: The dilapidated old Kulur Bridge which was found unsafe for vehicular movement two years ago, and was suppose to be reconstructed, is now once again in the news, that it will be closed for few days for repair works, and the authorities of NHAI have assured to complete the repair work within 15 to 20 days. It is learnt that Dakshina Kannada Deputy Commissioner and District Magistrate Sindhu B. Roopesh has ordered closure of Kulur old bridge on NH 66 on the outskirts of the city for vehicular traffic with effect from today, Monday 16 March 2020 to facilitate its repair work as sought by the National Highways Authority of India.
Consequently, in the meantime while the repair work is going on the old kulur bridge, the new bridge that presently carries one-way traffic, vehicles from Mangaluru towards Udupi — would be made to carry vehicles from both directions. However, very heavy vehicles, including containers, bullet tankers, cranes, trailer trucks, from Udupi towards Mangaluru are prohibited from plying on the new bridge and only light motor vehicles, regular passenger buses and goods vehicles up to two-axles (six-wheels) would be allowed, DC had said.
Old Kuloor Bridge connecting Panambur to Mangaluru closed for repair work
NHAI had sought the District Magistrate’s permission to close the bridge for vehicular traffic as it has become dilapidated. The bridge has to be closed till it is restored, NHAI said and informed the DC that it has hired J.S. Arad Construction Pvt. Ltd. for repairs. DC has also said very heavy vehicles from Udupi towards Bengaluru may move via Padubidri and Karkala while those bound to Mangaluru may ply via Mulki/Haleyangadi-Kinnigoli-Bajpe-Surathkal. She has also directed NHAI to erect road median/cones on the new bridge and direction boards at Mulki, Moodbidri, Haleyangadi, Panambur etc., for the information of drivers. NHAI should also complete the ongoing road relaying work near KIOCL junction and provide sufficient illumination at the junction as well as on the new bridge, she said.
Existing New Kuloor Bridge will be made Two-Way from 16 March till…..
NHAI Project Director Shishu Mohan speaking to media had said that the repair and strengthening work should not take more than 15-20 days. Its pillars are strong enough, he said adding the repair work involves replacement of expansion joints and bearings between the pillars and girders and such other minor works. Until the work on the old bridge is completed it will surely be a nightmare for motorists during peak hours, to ply on the existing new bridge, with traffic from both directions using the bridge.
Also Read Related Articles:
Unsafe 65-Year-Old Kuloor Bridge connecting Panambur to Mangaluru will be Closed Soon
‘Build New Bridge Before Closing Old Kulur Bridge’ say STV Horata Samiti