PWD to conduct trial runs on repaired Balason bridge today

Initially, two- and three-wheelers and cars would be allowed to cross the structure

Balason river bridge.: File photo

TT Correspondent   |   Siliguri   |   28.11.21: The state PWD will conduct trial runs along the Bailey bridge that has been installed on the Balason river bridge on the north-west end of Siliguri on Sunday and Monday, officials of the department said here today.

The bridge was installed to resume traffic along the route. Since October 20, traffic is disrupted on the bridge along NH31, after it was damaged by the impact of the monsoon-fed river.

According to officials of the NH-IX division of the state PWD, around 90 per cent of the assembly work of the bridge is over.

“We will conduct trial runs of vehicles for two days through the Bailey bridge from Sunday. After the test run, a report will be sent to the state government for mandatory recommendation and permission to resume traffic on the bridge,” said an official.

He said that the iron structure of he Bailey bridge installed over the damaged part of the Balason bridge is 42 metres long and 4.2 metres wide.

“Once the bridge is ready, vehicles weighing not more than 10 tonnes will be allowed on it,” the official added.

Initially, two- and three-wheelers and cars would be allowed to cross the bridge. The department has started installing makeshift height bars with bamboos on the approach roads on both sides to restrict movement of vehicles weighing above 10 tonnes.

“All such vehicles will continue to run via Asian Highway II route, connecting Siliguri at Naukagat More,” said a source.

The PWD is also building a service road through the river bed parallel to the bridge, using Hume pipes Once this road is ready, there will be one-way traffic through the Bailey bridge and the service road to ease traffic snarls.

On Saturday, Gaurav Sharma, the commissioner of Siliguri Metropolitan Police, along with some officials of the subdivisional administration, visited the spot. He also came up with certain suggestions for better movement of traffic through the route, said sources.