The 12.75-kilometre Aroor-Thuravoor elevated highway on National Highway 66 has crossed 94% construction progress, with expansion joint installation now under way on sections where paving has been completed. Sound barriers and solar lighting are also being installed as the project moves into its final construction phase.
Expansion joints are being placed at intervals of 145 metres along the elevated corridor, with 256 joints planned on both sides of the highway. The joints are designed to accommodate the natural expansion and contraction of the bridge structure caused by temperature changes and the continuous movement of heavy vehicles.
The components are intended to reduce stress on the concrete structure and limit the risk of cracks and other damage. They also help reduce the impact created when vehicles travel across the structure, supporting smoother movement and safer operation of the elevated road.
The specialised metal joints are being brought in from Delhi, Kolkata and Chennai. Installation has begun in sections where the asphalt work is complete. Overall, around 50% of the elevated highway has been paved, according to the report.
The project is also addressing the corridor’s impact on settlements along the route. Sound barrier installation is progressing across six reaches, with work completed in the areas of Eramalloor, Chandiroor and Aroor. Work is continuing in the remaining three reaches. The barriers are intended to reduce the spread of traffic noise towards residential areas located near the elevated road.
Solar lights are being installed on both sides of the elevated highway to improve visibility and support safer travel at night. The lighting work is proceeding alongside paving, expansion joint installation and sound barrier construction rather than being left until the end of the project.
The Aroor-Thuravoor stretch is a significant section of the National Highway 66 upgrade through Kerala, where the elevated design is being used to carry traffic through a heavily settled corridor. The current construction activity shows that the project’s remaining work involves not only completing the main road surface but also installing structural, environmental and operational safety components.
With expansion joints, sound barriers and solar lighting being added in parallel with the remaining paving work, the project has entered its final reported stage. The next construction milestones are the completion of the outstanding asphalt sections, the remaining sound barrier reaches and the installation of the balance of the planned expansion joints and solar lights.
