Following the collapse of the old bridge over the Kali River in Karwar on August 6, there are growing concerns about the safety of the old Zuari bridge in Goa. Both bridges, constructed around the same time in the 1980s, share similarities as balanced cantilever structures with central hinges, making the Zuari bridge particularly vulnerable.
Despite regular inspections and ongoing use for light vehicles, the Zuari bridge, nearing 40 years old, may have deteriorated significantly since its last strengthening work a decade ago. Originally designed for a 70-year lifespan, the bridge’s cantilever structure is especially susceptible to damage in saline environments, where rapid corrosion is a concern.
Previous reviews have highlighted issues such as corroded prestressed cables and excessive deflection. Measures were taken to address these problems, including the installation of external cables and a load test conducted with IIT Bombay to validate the improvements. However, the recent incident in Karwar suggests that a more comprehensive inspection may be necessary.
The Karwar bridge had been closed in 2011 due to its weakened state but was reopened under public pressure after minor repairs, despite expert warnings. Similarly, while the old Zuari bridge now experiences less traffic due to the opening of a new bridge, experts advise minimizing stationary loads on the structure to prevent potential issues.
As the situation evolves, a thorough assessment of the Zuari bridge’s condition will be crucial to ensure its safety and longevity.
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