The Kolkata Metropolitan Development Authority (KMDA) is ready to start conducting detailed inspection, surveying structural stability and load-capacity tests, and preparing the health audit of nine bridges and flyovers in and around the city.
Consulting agencies are being engaged to conduct the study of the elevated corridors for the second phase of health audit for the bridges and flyovers across the city. Traffic movement on these bridges may be completely or partially restricted for one or two days when the load-capacity tests will be carried out, said KMDA officials.
The elevated corridors to be surveyed include Dhakuria bridge, Chetla Lock Gate bridge, Karunamoyee bridge over Tolly’s Nullah, Chitpur bridge over Chitpur railway yard, the second Chitpur bridge over Circular Canal, Ambedkar bridge connecting Science City and VIP Bazar, Canal Bridge in front of RG Kar hospital, RCC bridge over Park Circus railway station and Jibanananda Setu near Jadavpur police station.
Out of these nine, KMDA had taken up work to replace the expansion joints of Dhakuria bridge in December 2017. Work was completed within one and a half months without much traffic diversion, though cops had a detour plan.
At present, three consulting agencies are working on the first phase of the health audit for eight flyovers and bridges, including Ultadanga flyover, Chingrighata flyover, Sealdah flyover, Baghajatin ROB, Kalighat bridge, Aurobindo Setu, Bijon Setu and Bankim Setu. Load-capacity tests of Ultadanga flyover, Baghajatin ROB and Kalighat bridge have been carried out. The test for Sealdah bridge is scheduled from August 15 to August 18, followed by Aurobindo Setu and Bijon Setu.
Officials said the health audit reports will mention the extent of damage in any flyover, along with recommendations on repairs. The consulting agencies are using an advanced technology to detect faults and damages in the structures. Preliminary inspections by KMDA engineers have revealed doubts over the structural condition of these flyovers, with cracks and corrosion found in many of them.
“Maintenance and repairs are being carried out wherever required,” said a KMDA official.
Source: Times of India
