Valancherry: Buses now drop passengers on either side of Thiruvegappura bridge and return, because the movement of heavy vehicles across the bridge has been banned following the detection of cracks on its surface. The decision was taken during a meeting attended by the police, local representatives, and residents. The presidents of Irimbilayam and Thiruvegappura panchayats were also present.

Heavy vehicles from the Valancherry side must divert via the Moorkkanad bridge, while those from Koppam should take the Pulamanthol route. For now, there are no restrictions on light vehicles. A crossbar will be installed on the bridge to regulate traffic. The restrictions came into effect from midnight yesterday.

Emergency vehicles, including fire and rescue services and ambulances, are exempt from the ban. Separate arrangements will be made to facilitate pedestrian movement. Officials have also decided to intensify safety measures following an on-site inspection.

Cracks on the joint span of the bridge surface were first noticed on Friday morning. Concrete flakes and tarring have also come off. Local residents promptly informed the police, the Public Works Department (PWD), and elected representatives. People also took the initiative to restrict traffic to a single lane.

A team of PWD officials, led by Assistant Engineer K Dheeraj Kumar, inspected the bridge. Officials concluded that the damage to the span was due to the ageing of the bridge, which was constructed six decades ago. Maintenance work worth ₹90 lakhs was carried out on the Thiruvegappura bridge in November 2022.

The bridge, which spans the Thootha River and connects Malappuram and Palakkad districts, is a busy route. It also serves as an easy route from Valancherry to Palakkad and Pattambi areas.