Kalpetta: Traffic on the Thamarassery Ghat stretch of the Kozhikode–Kollegal NH 766 will be restricted from Friday (December 5) due to ongoing road-widening works, including the cutting of more than 400 trees at the 6th, 7th and 8th hairpin bends, the Public Works Department (National Highways wing) said in a press release on Thursday.

Tree cutting at the three bends began last week and has already caused long delays along the route. According to the PWD Assistant Engineer, restrictions will be in place from 8 am to 6 pm.

Multi-axle vehicles will have to use either the Kuttiadi Ghat Road or the Nadukani Ghat Road via Nilambur–Nadukani, the release added.

Volunteers of the Churam Samrakshna Samithy said that although most trees have been cut, the removal work is slow and continues to cause traffic blocks.

The widening of the bends is expected to significantly ease congestion and improve travel time, as most major traffic jams and accidents occur at these narrow points.

The Forest Department granted approval after the Union Ministry of Forest, Environment and Climate Change cleared the proposal in 2022. The ₹37 crore renovation contract has been awarded to Choudhari Construction Company, New Delhi. The work includes widening the road, constructing footpaths, installing handrails and building protection walls.

Once completed, the project will provide a road width of 14.55 to 17.3 metres at the approach to the curves and 26.50 to 38.15 metres at the middle of the bends.