Mangaluru: Preparations have commenced for the construction of a new bridge at the site of the old Maravoor bridge on State Highway 67, a crucial route connecting Bajpe, Kateel, Kinnigoli and Mangaluru International Airport. The government has approved a proposal worth around Rs 40 crore for the project, while the tender process is currently in progress. Officials expect construction work to begin after the monsoon season.

The proposed bridge is planned with a length of nearly 200 metres and a width of 12 metres, aimed at improving traffic movement and addressing long-standing safety concerns associated with the ageing structure. Authorities believe the new bridge will provide a permanent solution after repeated repair works and structural concerns related to the existing bridge.

Existing bridge restrictions affected traffic movement

Traffic movement on the existing bridge has faced multiple restrictions due to concerns over its structural condition. The bridge, which is nearly 50 years old, had gradually deteriorated over the years, forcing authorities to impose limitations on vehicular usage.

A separate four-lane bridge was constructed in 2023 as an alternative route to maintain connectivity. Since 2024, the old bridge has remained closed after it was deemed unsafe for use. Following the closure, two-way traffic has been diverted entirely to the newly built bridge.

The shift in traffic arrangements has reportedly caused inconvenience to commuters and motorists travelling through the route regularly. With both directions sharing the new bridge, concerns regarding smooth traffic movement and accident risks have also increased.

The road corridor serves as a significant connectivity route linking several regions and providing access to Mangaluru International Airport. Any disruption on the route has a direct impact on daily commuters and transport movement.

Structural concerns emerged earlier

The bridge had previously experienced major structural issues that triggered immediate intervention from authorities. In July 2021, traffic on the old bridge was completely suspended after one of its side pillars reportedly sank into the soil.

The incident caused disruption to airport connectivity through the Kavoor route and created difficulties for commuters travelling towards surrounding areas. Following emergency restoration measures, authorities managed to reopen the bridge by the end of the same month.

Repair work at that time involved the use of jack technology to realign the affected pillar and stabilise the structure. However, only light motor vehicles were allowed to use the bridge after the restoration, considering safety concerns.

Though the repairs provided temporary relief, the incident raised questions regarding the long-term structural stability of the bridge.

Alternative bridge and further assessment

In 2022, authorities initiated construction of a new bridge at an estimated cost of Rs 15 crore to improve traffic conditions and create an additional infrastructure facility along the route.

After the new bridge became operational for traffic in June 2024, the old bridge underwent another technical assessment and detailed testing process. Officials later concluded that the old structure should not be reopened for traffic.

The old bridge was originally constructed in 1969 as part of the Mangaluru-Athrady State Highway 67 project and had served commuters for several decades. However, ageing infrastructure and weakening foundations reportedly affected its overall stability.

According to Public Works Department officials, both the bridge pillars and their foundation have weakened significantly over time. Following multiple restoration attempts and detailed inspections, authorities concluded that the bridge had exceeded its usable lifespan.

Rs 40 crore project proposal receives approval

After determining that further repair work would not provide a long-term solution, officials prepared a proposal to demolish the existing bridge and replace it with a new structure.

PWD authorities have now prepared a detailed project report for the construction of the replacement bridge at an estimated cost of around Rs 40 crore.

Moodbidri-Mulki MLA Umanath Kotian stated that repeated expenditure on repair work would not be practical in the long term. He said approximately Rs 6 crore had already been spent on the bridge in earlier repair efforts and a proposal for a new bridge was therefore submitted to the government.

He further stated that the tender process for the project is presently underway.

With work expected to begin after the monsoon season, authorities hope the new bridge project will improve connectivity, ensure safer travel conditions and ease traffic movement on one of the key transport corridors in the region.