CANACONA: Commissioned in November last year, the Rs 300 crore Manohar Parrikar sea-side link may have shortened the distance from Chaudi to Loliem-Polem by 10 kms, however, the Galgibaga-Mashem Bridge has proved to be a nightmare for residents, as their houses have developed cracks due to vibrations from vehicular traffic.
Locals have realised that the vibrations caused by the traffic has caused huge cracks on the walls of their houses affecting the stability of these structures, which they fear could collapse in future.
Speaking to Herald, those residing in close proximity to the bridge complained that due to uneven surfaces and huge uncovered gaps between the decks, whenever a heavy vehicle passes over the bridge, there is a loud unbearable sound.
This problem is causing a lot of anxiety among the inhabitants of over 10 houses adjacent to the Galgibaga-Mashem bridge, informed Matilda Dias, a local.
"At night when we sleep there is constant flow of traffic moving at high speeds and since the bridge has big open expansion joints they create lot of sound and vibrations, have caused cracks on the walls of our houses," complained Matilda.
"Some of the residents are old and suffering from various ailments. Their sleep is affected as we fail to understand whether it is an earthquake or a train crossing from the adjacent tracks. It’s a hell-like experience each night," she claimed.
When Herald visited some of the affected houses, it was found that most walls of houses had developed cracks. Locals informed that these houses were built over 60 years ago by using soil and some laterite stones in the traditional way, which are susceptible to greater damage in the months to come if precautionary measures are not taken immediately.
They said the foundation of these houses are weak and are close to the Galgibaga River surrounded by water on three sides.
Another local said that the bridge is a beam or simply supported structure; it has piers after every 30 metres where the actual problem lies.
"There is a gap between each deck, probably for expansion and cooling but, the contractor should have put up dampers, which could take care of subsequent vibrations," he explained.
Matilda said, “The PWD has to conduct a scientific study on the causes of such vibrations and the stability of the houses near the bridge. Till such time, the speed of the heavy vehicles has to be restricted or else it will cause irreparable damage to our houses, which may collapse any moment".
An engineer said by reinforcing end-cross beam and by removing bumps at expansion joints of bridges will help reduce the traffic-induced vibrations.
"To enhance the deck impact resistance near the expansion joints between two girders of a bridge, elastomeric bearings are placed under the girders. The issue needs a scientific study to ascertain and then recommend ways to minimise the impact," he suggested.