Date:28/02/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/02/28/stories/2008022855820100.htm

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Traffic to be closed on Amaravathy Bridge

Staff Reporter

From March 1 for repair work

KARUR: Vehicular traffic on the bridge across River Amaravathy in Karur town would remain suspended for about a month from March 1 as repair work to the damage caused during November 2005 flash floods in the river moved into top gear.

The work to be taken up now include construction of retaining wall and bed protection works, abutments, two piers and a cut off wall, besides laying of approach road. Sources in the Highways Department said that foundation should be sunk to a depth of 8.5 metres. It would take an estimated 30 days to complete the work and in view of safety considerations, the authorities have decided to suspend vehicular traffic on the bridge from March 1. The bridge will remain closed for traffic till the work is over, that is for the whole of March. However, two-wheelers and light vehicles will be allowed to cross into Karur town through the old Amaravathy Bridge. Heavy vehicles, goods carriages, buses and freight, passenger carriers will be diverted through Sukkaliyur.

Buses and lorries from Tiruchi and other eastern places will have to make a detour of 10 km to reach the Karur bus stand and travel the same distance on the return.