Construction Of High-Level Kaveri Bridge Linking Trichy And Srirangam Expedited, Land Acquisition And Safety Tests Underway

The Tamil Nadu highways department is intensifying efforts to complete the construction of a new high-level bridge across the Kaveri, which will connect Trichy mainland with the Srirangam highland.

As the river’s water flow is expected to decrease in the next two weeks, officials are fast-tracking the development of 96 prestressed girders required for the bridge.

A crucial load test will be conducted on a test pile foundation drilled into the riverbed. The test, which will apply loads beyond those expected from vehicular movement, is aimed at assessing the stability of the sand and rock beneath the riverbed, ensuring the bridge’s structural integrity.

"Construction work on the riverbed, including the pile foundation, will begin after Feb when water levels are expected to drop significantly," an official stated.

Of the 96 required girders, 30 have already been fabricated at a temporary site near Odathurai Road. The bridge will consist of 16 spans supported by 15 pillars.

Meanwhile, the land acquisition process for the approach road at the Melachinthamani end of the bridge is progressing well. The district revenue department has issued a gazette notification outlining the land to be acquired.

"Some objections have been raised, but we aim to resolve them amicably," an official added. Patta lands, buildings, and identified encroachments will be compensated, with compensation provided for structures only to building owners.