The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has decided to dismantle the superstructure of the 60-year-old bridge across river Souparnika on Kochi-Panvel National Highway 66 at Arate in Kundapura taluk, that has been closed for traffic since November last, and provide new one.
This decision was taken after technical experts reported that the substructure, including driver for piers and pillars and the foundation, were strong and need no replacement or reconstruction, said a senior official with the NHAI Honnavar Project Implementation Unit that has executed the four-lane widening project of NH 66 between Kundapura and Karnataka-Goa border. The old bridge has 18 spans of 33.9 metres each with a total length of about 610 metres.
Unending misery for road users as one of two bridges on NH 66 at Arate continues to remain closed
Work to start soon
The work would start soon after finalising the tenders, the officer said. Accordingly, the elements of the superstructure, including the bridge deck, girders, trusses, arches, parapets and handrails and other elements above the bearings, would be replaced. The concessionaire, M/s IRB West Coast Tollway Pvt. Ltd., would execute the work at its cost as the concession period lasts till 2042, the officer said. Stating that the work could commence before this month-end, the officer noted that it might take about six months for completion.
