Aurangabad/Patna: The Aurangabad district administration has prohibited the movement of heavy vehicles on the Batane river bridge on National Highway 139 after structural damage was detected during a recent inspection.
Officials said the bridge, located at kilometre 141 on NH-139, had developed cracks in multiple sections, while one pillar was found to be partially damaged. The bridge slab has also reportedly shifted.
The restriction has been imposed with immediate effect due to concerns over public safety and the risk of accidents.
Heavy vehicles diverted
District magistrate Abhilasha Sharma said only light vehicles would be allowed to use the bridge for now, while trucks and other heavy vehicles would be diverted through alternative routes.
The bridge is situated on the busy NH-139 corridor, which connects Jharkhand’s Daltonganj and Hariharganj with Aurangabad and Patna, and carries significant commercial traffic.
According to the administration, the executive engineer of the National Highway Division in Aurangabad recommended restricting heavy vehicle movement after a technical inspection of the structure.
Cracks found during inspection
In an official statement, Sharma said the bridge was found to be in a deteriorated condition during a road inspection carried out by engineers.
“Cracks have been detected in several girders of the bridge, and damage has also been found near the bearing pedestals,” she said.
Inspection photographs documenting the condition of the bridge were also submitted by the engineering team.
Traffic pressure cited as concern
Officials said the bridge was constructed around 15 years ago and has come under increasing traffic pressure over time.
Residents and transport operators have repeatedly demanded widening of NH-139 into a four-lane corridor, citing growing traffic volume and safety concerns on the route.
Authorities have not yet announced a timeline for repair work or restoration of heavy vehicle movement.
