Goa bridge develops crack, closed

The Goa Government has decided to close the bridge on river Zuari to heavy traffic from June 16 after it developed a big crack.

The Goa Government has decided to close the bridge on river Zuari to heavy traffic from June 16 after it developed a big crack. The bridge, on National Highway 17, is an important road link between Mumbai and Kanyakumari.

The crack was noticed on Monday. ‘‘Heavy traffic on the bridge has to be stopped because the crack is difficult to repair,’’ said PWD sources. The decision was taken after a review meeting of the PWD officials with PWD Minister Ramkrishna Dhavalikar.

‘‘Only two-wheelers and small cars will be allowed from Thursday,’’ said a source. When contacted, Dhavalikar informed that the government had decided to seek permission from the Union Surface Transport Ministry to construct a new bridge on river Zuari, which would also connect South and North Goa.

‘‘We will float tenders for the bridge immediately and it will have to be ready within two years,’’ he said. The bridge was closed for heavy vehicles seven years ago for similar reasons. It was opened only for the small vehicles, with a occasional concession for mini buses. But those buses will also have to be stopped now, PWD sources said.

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