State Highways Department Starts Repair Work on Trichy's Cauvery Bridge.

A day after a minor gap was found on a pavement of the Cauvery bridge connecting Trichy mainland with Srirangam island, the State Highways Department initiated repair work on Monday to reinforce the structure.

Officials stated that concrete would be applied to the gap detected on the pavement, and a chemical grouting process would be used to strengthen the reinforced cement concrete (RCC) handrail. The damage, they noted, was caused by an accident prior to Diwali.

"The repair work will be completed in the next few days. The bridge remains safe for both vehicles and pedestrians," said a department official.

The issue was attributed to damage in the strip seal expansion joints, which facilitate smooth transitions between adjacent decks of the bridge. These joints were disturbed, leading to the appearance of a linear gap.

It’s worth noting that following major maintenance work completed in March 2023, which cost Rs 6.8 crore, concerns about overspeeding have persisted. Accidents, both fatal and non-fatal, continue to be a challenge due to high-speed vehicles crossing the bridge.

ET