Kochi: The essential repair work on the Kundannoor-Thevara bridge road, a crucial section of NH 966B in the city, has been rescheduled to take place over the weekend, on July 13 and 14. Originally slated for July 9 and 10, the repairs were postponed following a meeting between National Highway officials, Maradu municipality authorities, and local police, who cited heavy rainfall as the reason for the delay.
To facilitate the smooth execution of the repair works, traffic across the bridge will be completely halted from Friday night until Monday morning. The municipal chairman announced that traffic would be diverted through alternate routes starting at 11 pm on Friday, provided weather conditions permit the commencement of the repairs. The objective is to complete the work by Sunday night and restore normal traffic flow by Monday morning. Assistant Commissioner of Police P. Rajkumar and Assistant Executive Engineer of the Public Works Department (National Highway sub-section) Suma B. N. were among the officials who attended the planning meeting.
The urgent need for these repairs has been underscored by recent protests from local residents, who have voiced strong concerns over the deteriorating condition of the bridge. The pothole-ridden surface poses significant risks to motorists, particularly those on two-wheelers. The slow-moving traffic on the damaged road has led to severe congestion, extending all the way to Kundannoor Junction on NH-66. Despite the rescheduling, traffic police have yet to announce the specific alternate routes that will be utilised during the bridge’s closure. The municipal chairman assured that the police would provide detailed information regarding the diversions in the coming days. The repair of the Thevara-Kundannoor bridge is a critical infrastructure project aimed at ensuring the safety of motorists and alleviating persistent traffic bottlenecks. The collaboration between the National Highway Authority, municipal authorities, and law enforcement is pivotal to the timely and efficient completion of these repairs.
As the bridge serves as a vital link for daily commuters and transport vehicles, the authorities urge the public to cooperate with the temporary traffic arrangements and to stay informed through official announcements regarding the diversion routes. The successful completion of this project is expected to significantly improve the traffic situation and enhance the overall safety of the roadway.
