Team Herald
VASCO: The much-awaited four-lane signature Zuari Bridge is likely to be opened for vehicular traffic between Verna and Bambolim by November this year, according to Dilip Buildcon Limited Deputy Project Manager Deogonda Patil.
Speaking to mediapersons on Thursday, Patil said that the second last segment of the main cable-stayed bridge will be lifted up by Thursday and the last segment would be lifted by this month-end.
He said that other aspects like the load testing and cable force monitoring would follow thereby signifying the near completion of the project.
Patil said that the last cable of the bridge would be lifted by this month's end and once this is lifted, it could take a maximum of two months to complete the other minor works.
According to Patil, the company had completed the bridge work from the Bambolim end and opened it for traffic while the main cable-stayed bridge having as many as 224 cables is almost nearing completion after which the entire project will be available for vehicular traffic even as much would depend on the weather conditions.
Patil said that the weather also plays a major role to lay the bituminous surface and take up the asphalting work.
He apprehended that the incessant rains could delay the asphalting of the road further and in such a situation the ongoing works would be completed within the next two to three months.
Patil said that load testing will be taken up to check the forces of the cables and corrections will be done to alter the force strength.
Later, the final load test will be done before throwing open the bridge for vehicular traffic.