SAMBALPUR: Even though the Public Works Department (PWD) had set a target to complete the construction of second high level bridge over Haradjoar, a tributary of river Mahanadi, at Gobindtola here by December last year, the work is yet to be completed.
The increase in volume of traffic on Jail Chowk-Dhanupali road, which connects National Highway-55 and 6, led to the need for a second bridge at Gobindtola. The existing high level bridge over Haradjoar witnesses frequent traffic snarls as the road is one of the entry points to the city.
This apart, there is utmost importance of the bridge considering the growth of the city on Dhanupali side. The road also connects to State Highway-15 which interlinks Sambalpur with Sonepur. Even those coming from Deogarh also enter the city using the route.
The timely completion of Haradjoar bridge will ease traffic on the Jail Chowk-Dhanupali road and ensure smooth vehicular movement.
The work is being executed by Division I of PWD, Sambalpur while the Vibgyor Structural Construction Private Limited has been entrusted with the responsibility of construction of the bridge. The second bridge measuring 75 metres long and 8.5 metres wide is being constructed parallel to the existing bridge at an estimated cost of Rs 6.4 crore.
Contacted, Executive Engineer, Division I of PWD, HS Majhi said work on the project has been delayed due to change in the design of the bridge. However, work is going on in full swing and it will be completed soon, he added.