PWD will repair gantries before starting repair work on new Vashi bridge; signage to be used temporarily to divert motorists
The collapsed gantry (circled) near the old Vashi bridge
Barely two days before the Public Works Department (PWD) was set to begin work on maintenance of expansion joints on the new Vashi Creek Bridge, two gantry gates – a narrow bridge-like overhead structure with a platform – installed to divert vehicles towards the old bridge have collapsed. Due to the PWD work, from February 1, motorists travelling to Vashi from Mumbai will be diverted to the old bridge, traffic sources said.
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Stating that the PWD has taken all precautions to keep traffic movement smooth during the 20-day maintenance phase, superintendent engineer for the Sion-Panvel Highway RT Patil said, "The gantries were installed to ensure that vehicles over 15-ft height do not take the old bridge. We have learnt that gantries have broken, so we will repair them at the earliest. We are yet to find out how the gantries collapsed. We are in the process of painting divider lines and installing signage to divert traffic to the old bridge during the maintenance phase. Only four-wheelers, light motor vehicles and emergency vehicles, such as ambulances, can use the old bridge. Heavy vehicles will not be allowed to take the bridge. Airoli bridge may be used as an alternative route for heavy vehicles."
The new Vashi Creek Bridge will remain closed due to maintenance of expansion joints. Pics/Datta Kumbhar
The six-lane divided carriageway bridge spanning 1837.35 m was constructed by the UP State Bridge Corporation in 1997. A Mankhurd police officer said, "The use of gantries helped ease traffic from the new bridge as light vehicles were allowed on the old creek bridge." Mankhurd traffic police inspector added that NOW signage is being installed at various junctions, such as the Suman Nagar and Anushakti Nagar junctions, to inform motorists about the diversions.
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