The district Collectorate of Ahmedabad has closed six bridges in rural areas due to safety concerns. This decision comes after inspections revealed that ten bridges in the district were in poor or critical condition. The closure aims to ensure the safety of commuters while repairs are planned. A notification was issued on Saturday, providing alternative routes for drivers to navigate around the closed bridges.
Here are the suggested alternate routes:
1. **Navapura to Sanathal**: Drivers can take the Sarkhej-Bavla highway from Navapura to reach Sanathal. For the return trip, vehicles can pass under the Sanathal circle bridge and follow the highway back.
2. **Bhat to Miroli**: Vehicles from Bhat can use the canal approach road to reach Mota Chhapra and continue on to Miroli. Those returning from Miroli should travel via Bhatgam and Mandanpura to reach Mota Chhapra, and then proceed to Dholka and Bakrol.
3. **Navapura to Visalpur**: Commuters can take the route via Bakrol circle from Visalpur, then proceed to Sanathal and Vaghjipura.
4. **Chaloda to Saroda**: Traffic from Saroda can use the Chandisar-Chaloda road to reach Dholka Parshwnath circle and then proceed to Chaloda.
5. **Vasna Keliya to Chandisar**: For this route, vehicles can travel via Kalikund circle to Kamod circle and continue on the Ahmedabad Highway to reach Chandisar.
6. **Rajpur to Sathal**: Drivers can choose either the Rampur-Sathal road or the Sahij-Sathal road to reach Sathal from Rajpur.
Authorities have urged commuters to follow these diversion routes and drive cautiously. The safety of the bridges is paramount, and their condition will be monitored closely during repairs.
The closure of these bridges is part of a broader initiative by the Gujarat government to inspect and repair infrastructure after heavy rains caused damage across the state. Recent events, including the collapse of the Gambhira bridge, have prompted the government to take swift action in assessing the safety of bridges and roads.
The Sardar Sarovar Narmada Nigam Limited (SSNNL) has been actively inspecting bridges across the Narmada Canal network, which spans approximately 69,000 km and connects various roads throughout Gujarat. Inspections have found several bridges in need of repairs, with some already closed for maintenance.
In Junagadh district, for example, authorities are surveying over 600 bridges. Six major bridges have been ordered closed, with plans for repairs underway.
In light of these developments, it is essential for residents in the areas affected by the bridge closures to stay informed about the latest traffic updates. Commuters are advised to plan their journeys in advance and allow extra time for travel due to the diversions.
As the state works to improve road safety, residents are reminded to drive responsibly and adhere to traffic regulations. Following the suggested routes will help maintain safety for everyone on the road until the bridges are repaired and reopened.