The reconstructed motor bays of Ernakulam North Rail Overbridge (RoB) were opened to traffic from Monday evening. According to Mohammed Rafeeq, ACP (traffic), the decision to open the bays for vehicles was taken as per the instructions from the authorities.
“The work of the motor bays has been completed and we actually planned to open it by January first week. But today, we got instructions from higher authorities to open the bays considering the heavy traffic likely to develop in the Christmas and New Year season,” he said.
Meanwhile, the traffic regulations will continue at the North RoB. Two wheelers and three wheelers will continue to be diverted. With the reconstructed motor bays becoming operational, the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation is expected to start the dismantling of main bridge by January, 2013.
On the decision to open the motor bays without any prior information, DMRC spokesperson said they had already handed over the side bays to the traffic authorities.
“The work on the bridge was completed some weeks before. So, it was their call to decide the time to open the bridges,” he added.
The reconstruction of the North RoB and the construction of a new ROB at Salim Rajan Road were the two major Metro Rail-related work initiated in the city.
Initially, the motor bays of the North RoB were demolished. For the motor bays, DMRC, the implementing agency, used a total of 78 piles and 26 piers. Another 40 RCC girders were used for the reconstruction and four steel girders were installed over the railway span. Meanwhile, new RoB connecting Salim Rajan Road and Rajaji Road near the KSRTC bus station is expected to be ready for commissioning by January 2013.