Date:07/08/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/08/07/stories/2008080756620100.htm

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Traffic resumes on Amaravathy bridge

L. Renganathan

Thrown open: K.C. Palanisamy, MP, flagging off a bus to mark the reopening of the bridge across the Amaravathy in Karur on Wednesday.

KARUR: Vehicular traffic resumed on the new bridge across the Amaravathy here on Wednesday.

The closure of the bridge for carrying out major repair works since last February had forced vehicles to make a detour of eight km to enter or exit the town. The bridge has been renovated and repaired at an estimated cost of Rs. 3 crore.

The bridge remained closed since March 1 to facilitate repair works.

Sources said that while 75 per cent of the work had been completed, the balance work would be carried out in another two months. Measures for flood prevention needed to be undertaken as part of the balance work. Meanwhile to minimise the discomfiture to the travelling public, the bridge has been reopened for traffic.

Over 400 pile foundations have been sunk on the riverbed for ensuring stronger stability and another 100 more will be sunk as part of the remaining work.

Karur MP K.C. Palanisamy flagged off a bus to mark the reopening of the bridge. Collector T.N. Venkatesh, Krishnarayapuram MLA P. Kamaraj, DMK district secretary Vasuki Murugesan, Divisional Engineer, Highways, S.P. Palanivel, Assistant Divisional Engineer P. Chinnasamy, and others were present.