COIMBATORE: The Coimbatore division of the national highways is awaiting approval of the National Highways Authority of India for construction of a new bridge across the Bhavani river at Mettupalayam.
He said the structure experiences severe vibrations when heavy vehicles and buses cross it, raising concerns about structural safety. “With repairs delayed, the potholes have been filled up with sand and debris, posing a heightened accident risk for two-wheeler riders,” he said. CITU taluk secretary S Basha submitted a petition to officials stating that the bridge has deteriorated over the years and needs urgent attention. He pointed to the damaged parapet walls on both sides of the bridge, with rusted reinforcement bars exposed in several sections. The damaged portions have increased the risk to pedestrians, especially where protective side barriers are missing. Potholes on the bridge deck have added to safety concerns.