The colonial-era bridge at Nagarjan, which was closed on October 14, was re-opened for single-lane traffic Tuesday.
Keeping in mind that traffic was only going to increase from now on till the Christmas and New Year season, the bridge was reopened only for light motor vehicles, though only a single lane for vehicles would be allowed at a time.
In this regard, deputy commissioner (DC) Dimapur issued an order stating that in view of the partial restoration of the approach road to bridge, only light vehicles would be allowed to ply.
The order stated that executive engineer (R&B) Dimapur would monitor and take precautionary measures daily and inform the DC as and when closure of traffic was required.
DC also stated that traffic personnel would be deployed round the clock to regulate traffic.
When contacted, executive engineer (R&B) Talitemsu Jamir told this reporter that crack lines were reinforced and barricaded and caution stickers put in place.
He said that the bridge was re-opened out of necessity and for public convenience.
He, however, added few words of caution: “Accidents can happen even on good roads and bridges. Therefore, in case of any untoward eventuality as a result of the temporary connectivity provided on this British-era bridge that had outlived its life span, nobody should be held responsible.” Meanwhile, Tali said construction work on the new bridge that started in October 2017 was progressing well. Though the stipulated time for its completion was 18 months, he said the bridge might even be completed before the next monsoon season since the progress was good.
He further said that the bridge was re-opened out of necessity and convenience of the public.
“Accidents are bound to happen even on good roads and bridges. Therefore in case of any eventuality by using this temporary connectivity, out of necessity provided today through this already outlived British era bridge that has outlived its life span, nobody should be held responsible.”
Meanwhile, Er. Tali informed that the construction work for the new bridge which started in October 2017 was in good progress. Though the stipulated time for completion was 18 months, Er. Tali said the bridge may even be completed before the next monsoon season.