The State Highways Department is fast-tracking the construction of Cauvery Bridge, connecting Trichy mainland with the Srirangam highland. This vital infrastructure is going to ease transport, considerably reducing jams between these two vital regions. With the work in full swing, officials are keen on structural strength for the bridge and the speeding up of the respective land acquisition to meet deadlines.
Salient features of the New Cauvery Bridge:
The new bridge will be constructed with state-of-the-art concepts and materials, improving the overall network of infrastructure for the state. In the construction of the new bridge, the project demands that 96 prestressed girders be installed within the bridge to fortify it in terms of strength and stability. The officials have facilitated the swift fabrication of the girders. To date, the temporary site at Odathurai Road already produces 30 units.
Load Testing on Structural Integrity
One of the important steps on the safety and durability perspective of the bridge is the load test on its foundation. To this end, the pile foundation drilled deep inside the river was weighed with materials weighing more than what would go on the cars passing over the said bridge. Thereby, they would check stability at the underside of the sand and rock riverbed, thus allowing the performance of the bridge in the long run without losing some integrity along the way.
The load test shall be performed only after the water level in the Cauvery is lowered below the riverbed so that the bed can be laid. The authorities have already indicated that there is going to be less flow over the next two weeks, paving the way for the construction work to begin. Already, Cauvery is being discharged from 3,500 to 4,100 cusecs into the Mukkombu regulator while the drop in levels shall ensure building of the pile foundation and some other basic works.
Construction Timeline and Major Milestones
Work on the riverbed and pile foundation will begin in February when the water level subsides. A working platform will be created for machinery and personnel to access it and ensure that the construction process is carried out smoothly. Since there are 96 girders required for the project, accelerated fabrication should be able to keep the project on track. When constructed, the girder will be taken to site for bridge work.
It shall be constructed according to the thickness of pillars with 16 spans bridges at 15 points. In case of having heavy traffics when completed proper calculation would allow 16 span at every point for smooth moving traffic. Which will help on the usual congestion that builds upon road between Trichy and Srirangam.
Land Acquisitions Compensation update
In parallel with the construction work, the process of land acquisition of approach road at the Melachinthamani end of the bridge is going on satisfactorily. The district revenue department has already prepared the gazette notification regarding the land being acquired for the approach road. Patta lands and building as well as all identifiable encroachment compensation will be provided with compensation to the building owners for structures on the land.
Though some objections have been raised during the land acquisition process, this would be amicably addressed, officials said. The desire is to conduct the land acquisition process in such a way that the project can stay on course.
Significance of Cauvery Bridge Project
The new Cauvery Bridge shall have a major impact on transportation in the region, providing a faster, reliable route between Trichy and Srirangam. This shall ease daily commutes and give better accesses to key areas of Trichy and surrounding regions, driving growth and development.
It would also accommodate a growing population and improve the movement of goods and services for the benefit of the local residents and businesses.
Conclusion: Moving Closer To Good Connectivity
Activities on the new Cauvery Bridge testify the will of State Highways to promote regional connectivity and decongestion of this area. All essential milestones, including the load testing of foundations, girders, and acquisition of lands, are under way quite successfully and put this project close to completion targets. Completion of the structure will make this an important artery of improved connectivity from Trichy to Srirangam, including users of ordinary commute to some distance travelers.
Refer :
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