PANJIM: After initial delay due to COVID pandemic enforced lockdown, the approach road of Atal Setu from Merces end towards Porvorim will be thrown open for vehicular traffic from mid-July.
The approach road has been shut since April to undertake rehabilitation work. In the order issued on April 25, North Collector had ordered closure of the road for four weeks. The diversion of vehicular traffic was done on the Ponda side arm of the Setu. The order came following a letter by Goa State Infrastructure Development Corporation (GSIDC) that the contractor M/s Larsen & Toubro has requested for rehabilitation civil work along the stretch. The ramp showed signs of asymmetry causing inconvenience to the vehicle drivers.
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Speaking to Herald, GSIDC project engineer Sandesh Chodnekar said a new slab connecting structural and non-structural ramp will be casted on June 28. “After this, there will be 14 days curing period. The ramp should be open by mid-July,” he said.
Chodnekar said currently still binding is going on to put the slab. He said that the ramp would be adjusted to the level of retaining wall.
The official maintained that there is no inconvenience caused to the travellers from Margao side as they now have to take old Mandovi Bridge to go to Porvorim or Mapusa. “Also, the Ponda arm of the bridge is also open,” he said.
