The former head of the Department of Structural Engineering in IIT Chennai inspected the Sreesankara Bridge in Kalady and ruled out any permanent threat to the structure which developed a gaping hole two days ago.
According to a Public Works Department official, P.K. Aravindan has asked the department to construct two additional beams for the structure, in addition to the ongoing concreting and resurfacing works.
“The expert assessed that the structure was not in a weak condition except for some wear and tear due to ageing,” said PWD Superintending Engineer (Central Circle) Benny P.P.
Mr. Aravindan will submit a report to the department on Tuesday about the measures to be taken for its protection in the long run.
“We would study it and prepare a detailed report on the condition of the Kalady bridge to be submitted in the meet convened by the Chief Minister on September 24,” the official said.
A PWD official said the job of mending the hole would over in two days, and then the road would be resurfaced. “We are half way through the gap-filling work; the portion will be concretised by Tuesday evening,” said the official.
Sreesankara bridge is a crucial link across the Periyar river on the Main Central (MC) Road.