Bailey bridge in EnathuEnathu (Pathanamthitta): The Bailey bridge across Kallada river at Enathu will soon be opened for traffic, providing relief for travelers. For almost three months, the commuters were in for a harrowing time after the bridge at Enathu was closed for repair works.
Bailey bridge is a type of portable, pre-fabricated, truss bridge that has been extensively used since World War II as even vehicles can ply on it.
The 18-year-old concrete bridge on the MC Road was closed on January 10 after some of its vents developed a crack.
On Tuesday, amid loud cheers from local people, a trial run was conducted using a military jeep.
According to officials, 95 percent of the restoration works has been completed. The work on the bridge approaches and pedestrian paths is under way.
In a first of its kind effort in Kerala, the repair works of the 55-meter-long and 3.5-meter-wide Class 18 bridge was undertaken by a team from the Army Engineering Group from Chennai.
The steel girders were erected and were linked with the help of special machines and large-capacity cranes.
The remaining works are expected to be completed in a day or two.
Engineers of the Kerala State Transport Project (KSTP) have begun strengthening the abutments on both banks of the river using granite blocks.
The bridge will be ready for commissioning on April 10 upon completion of the restoration work of the damaged piers and the construction of the approach road, officials said.
