Kottayam: After three years of delays and inconvenience, relief is finally in sight for commuters using the Konathattu Bridge. With the tarring of the bridge and its approach roads now complete, the traffic snarls that had become routine in the area are expected to end.

The new bridge was opened to traffic in early November, but was briefly closed over the past two days to finish the tarring work. Remaining tasks include building footpaths along the approach roads on both sides and constructing drains to prevent waterlogging during the monsoon. These works can be completed without disrupting traffic, officials said.

While the official inauguration of the construction of the new bridge took place on May 10, 2022, the actual work started only on November 1 that year. The authorities demolished the old bridge to build the new structure and enforced traffic diversions in the area, causing untold misery to travellers and local residents over the last three years. These difficulties will end with the tarring of the bridge and approach roads.

As part of the upcoming works, a rainwater drain will be constructed along the road on the southern side of the bridge to avoid waterlogging near Attamangalam Church. Another drain will be built near Guru Mandiram to prevent waterlogging in the area.

Although the bridge has been completed, land acquisition for a road to serve residents and shopkeepers on the northern side of the western bank is yet to take place. After the bridge was built, these households and businesses were left without proper road access. At present, the authorities have installed a set of steel stairs leading from the approach road to facilitate movement.

"We can construct a road to their houses and establishments once the government acquires and hands over the required land," said the contractor, Alex Perumalil.

Meanwhile, a road to the northern side of the eastern bank of the bridge has already been completed.

A temporary road was built across the canal for light vehicles when the old bridge was demolished. With all traffic restrictions along the new bridge being removed, the temporary road will no longer be needed. It will be demolished after the completion of the works related to the walkways along the approach roads and drains, said the contractor.