Dry spell aids Cauvery bridge construction in Tiruchi as Mettur dam remains closed
The delayed opening of the Mettur dam for irrigation this year has provided an unexpected advantage for the State Highways Department, allowing accelerated work on a new bridge across the Cauvery river in Tiruchi. The prolonged dry season has created a crucial window for construction, which is now expected to be completed by September.
According to department officials, approximately 70% of the bridge construction is complete. 'Work is progressing at full pace, and we are confident of finishing by September,' an official stated.
Construction began in July 2024, but strong river flows in subsequent months had hampered foundation work, which could only be done intermittently. The dry conditions have now enabled continuous progress.
The project requires acquiring about 2,283 square metres of land and shifting utilities. While land acquisition on the Chinthamani side is complete, it remains pending on the Mambazha Salai side due to litigation and other issues. Once resolved, work on approach roads will commence.
Sanctioned at an estimated ₹106 crore in the State Budget for 2024-25, the new bridge is being built adjacent to the existing one. The existing bridge will remain in use for traffic from Mambazha Salai, while the new bridge will handle vehicles in the opposite direction, improving traffic flow in the city.
