THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The long-pending traffic issue haunting commuters passing through Kundamankadavu is set to be solved soon. According to the Public Works Department (PWD), the new bridge under construction over the Karamana river along Valiyavila - Peyad road will be opened by January 2015.
“As of now, about 75 per cent of the construction work has been completed. Only the slab work of one span is left for the bridge. Once that work gets completed, the construction of approach roads on both sides will start,” said PWD executive engineer Chandrakumar S.
He added that the unavailability of sufficient ‘earth’ for construction purpose was the reason behind the current lag. “There is a scarcity of soil used as filler. Anyhow, that issue will be solved soon,” he said. He added that the strike of the Kerala Government Contractors’ Association (KGCA) had also affected the work. During the strike, the work was suspended for around one month, he said. The strike, seeking settlement of pending bills, was called off last Thursday last following the intervention of the government.
As of now, around Rs 5 crore has been spent as part of the construction work, estimated at Rs 8.91 crore.
Following the opening of the new bridge, the vehicular traffic along the existing bridge will be stopped. The existing iron grid bridge, built in 1898 during the British era, has become a virtual nightmare for the travellers, as it is can hardly handle the modern day rush. “The new bridge is designed for two-way traffic. Once it is opened, the vehicles will restricted through the old bridge. Only pedestrians will be allowed to enter it,” said the PWD official.