The bridge, estimated to cost Rs 9.11 crore, will connect Raj Bagh road with Residency Road, routes witnessing heavy vehicular traffic.
Senior PDP leader Tariq Hameed Karra termed the government's decision to construct the bridge as "ill-conceived".
Karra, who was the Minister for Housing and Urban Development in the then Congress-PDP government, said the project would endanger lives of the people.
"A twisted bridge with 180 degree curve in 100 metres distance over the river will be a virtual death trap for the commuters as most of the speedy vehicles trying to cross over the bridge will be straightway making their way into river Jhelum," he said.
Alleging the present location for the bridge was chosen at the behest of some politicians who would benefit from its construction, Karra asked the government to "immediately stop the construction work before wasting any more money and start exploring alternative sites".
The bridge when completed will provide an alternative route to people commuting between the old city and the civil lines area as adjacent Abdullah and Budshah bridges witness massive traffic jams at peak hours.
Officials said the conservation on both sides of the river Jhelum will be accorded top priority and steps will be taken to conserve the river and its banks before finalising alignment of the bridge.
