On what caused the cracks to Bhide bridge, traffic planner Shrinivas Bonala said, “The side extension of the bridge was damaged. It is made of tar and water flowed over it causing it to open up. No a single part of the actual bridge has suffered.“
It was thrown open to the public after repairs were conducted by late Thursday afternoon, he added.
Though no bridge in the city is giving way , 18 of the 32 important old bridges are in need of repairs. The administration has completed paperwork for six of them, while ground work for one bridge has started.
Civic officials said of the 32 key bridges, seven are old. Their repairs commenced after an audit in 2013 and the study has suggested repairs to 18 bridges.These include Sambhaji bridge (Lakadi Pul), Shivaji bridge (Nava Pul), Old Sangam bridge, Wellesley bridge, old Harris bridge, old Holkar bridge and old Bundgarden bridge. These are stone structures.
“We are choosing the bridges according to the priority of the works related to structures which are of a routine nature.The administration had issued work orders for seven bridges.Work on Dengale bridge has started,“ Bonala told TOI.
Repairs to the seven bridges will be completed within nine months at a cost of Rs 10 crore.Works such as strengthening of the pillars, resurfacing and bridge expansion will be carried out.
Activists feel that that administration should make an annual plan for the maintenance of bridges. “The damage can be reduced if regular annual maintenance is done. The time-table for such repairs and funds allocation should be done on priority,“ Maj Gen S C N Jatar (retd), founder of Nagrik Chetna Manch, a citizens’ group, said.
Prashant Inamdar of Pedestrians First said, “The civic body should conduct a structural audit of the bridge before it is opened for vehicles.“
Source : TOI
