Old Versova bridge which was closed for vehicular traffic since last five months will be thrown open on June 6, Thane District Planning Development Committee (DPDC) said today.
The issue of inconvenience caused to people due to closure of the bridge since December last was raised in the DPDC meeting chaired by district guardian minister Ganesh Naik.
The officials present at the meeting assured that the bride will be thrown open to traffic, but heavy vehicles will not be allowed to ply.
The Old Versova bridge, constructed way back in 1966 had developed cracks and closed down for traffic on December 26, 2013.
The bridge serves as a link that connects Thane to national highway number 8.
"The old bridge was used by motorists heading from Thane towards Ahmedabad, while the new bridge is used for those headed from Ahmedabad to Thane. Since the old bridge has been closed for repair, traffic in both directions will now ply on the new bridge. Commuters will have to brace for snarls," police said.
A posse of policemen and traffic constables has been deployed on the stretch.
"Heavy motor vehicles will be diverted to Wada-Manor Road and Bhiwandi-Wada Road. They could also use Chinchoti-Anjur Phata Road to reach Thane. We appeal to people not to travel towards the highway unless necessary and use public transport instead of private vehicles," police said.
National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) officials had inspected the bridge earlier.
"A girder has developed cracks in the old bridge and the entire span was being replaced," an NHAI official said.
