Another technical defect has developed on the bailey bridge across the Dwar Ksuid on the Shillong Bypass, necessitating the suspension of traffic, the district authorities informed today.
Part of the temporary bridge requires replacement and until the work is completed, the District Management has banned the use of the bridge by vehicles belonging to the public. It is expected that the bridge will reopen on June 23.
Vehicles under 10 tonnes, however, can still use the existing concrete bridge, which was found last year to be in danger of collapse because of overloaded vehicles. The bailey bridge was built as a temporary alternative while the concrete bridge is strengthened.
Meanwhile, Shillong MP Vincent Pala wrote to Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, bringing the state of the bridge over the Umiam River to his attention.
In the letter, Pala reminded Gadkari that the route is an important one as it connects the Indian mainland, via Assam and Meghalaya, to Mizoram, Tripura, Manipur and the Barak Valley.
“I am confident that your good office shall take up the issue in the interest of Meghalaya and the North Eastern region of India in general,” Pala stated.
