KOLKATA: KMDA has taken up load testing work on the Science City-bound western flank of Ambedkar bridge on EM Bypass from Sunday.
The load test has become necessary after a similar test in February had proved to be “inconclusive.” The Tiljala traffic guard said it expects some challenges on Monday — despite the enhanced restrictions — as several relaxations have been granted leading to a rise of private cars and two-wheelers on EM Bypass.
KMDA has also initiated the process to engage agencies for doing structural condition tests and retrofitting works of Kidderpore steel bridge over Tolly Nullah and Dhana Dhanyo setu in Alipore for which the traffic police will need to come up with traffic diversion plans for KMDA to take up the work.
The authorities have also started working on the proposals as submitted by the police to set up two bridges on the circular Canal and another on the EM Bypass close to Avishikta crossing.
“At Ambedkar bridge, Sunday was like a trial run,” an official said.
Officials said that they are expecting to complete the load test on the flank in the next few days and take up load test on the Garia-bound eastern flank from June 10 onwards and complete the work by June 14.
Cops said that the PWD’s work on Red Road too is progressing as per plan.
The work has been undertaken to facilitate the replacement of the existing masonry arch culvert which has been damaged.
“With less traffic on road diverting traffic bound for Maidan via Mayo road has so far faced no major issues,” said a traffic cop.
The work of repairing the single span of EM Bypass bound flank of Ultadanga flyover is presently going on without any need to close any lane.
An official said, “Plans are at a final stage to allow load test on the Chitpur Bridge.”
Ambedkar bridge load test starts, others under care too
