Bhagalpur/Patna: The third Bailey bridge being installed on the damaged Vikramshila Setu in Bhagalpur is expected to be launched on Friday, officials associated with the project said.
The temporary 24-metre structure is the final Bailey bridge being installed after a section of the bridge collapsed into the Ganga earlier this month. Authorities said preparations for the launch are nearly complete.
Officials involved in the project said work was expected to continue late into Thursday night to complete the remaining installation process.
Trial run before reopening
After the launch of the third Bailey bridge, engineering teams will inspect all three temporary structures before deciding the date for a trial run.
Vehicles will be allowed on the bridge only after the successful completion of the trial phase, officials said.
If inspections and trials proceed as planned, authorities expect traffic movement on the bridge to resume from June 5.
A senior official of the Border Roads Organisation (BRO), which is overseeing the work, said efforts were being made to complete the project at the earliest.
One-way movement planned
Officials said only one-way vehicular movement would be permitted on the Bailey bridges.
Police personnel will be deployed near the bridge to regulate traffic and ensure orderly movement of vehicles. Heavy vehicles are unlikely to be allowed on the temporary structures, according to officials familiar with the arrangements.
Timeline of events
- May 3: A 34-metre slab of Vikramshila Setu collapsed into the Ganga, leading to complete suspension of traffic.
- May 4: Bihar State Bridge Construction Corporation chairman Chandrashekhar Singh said repair work could be completed within three months. Deputy chief minister Samrat Choudhary spoke to defence minister Rajnath Singh seeking assistance from the Army. Engineers identified “alligator cracking” during inspection.
- May 5: A team from the Border Roads Organisation reached Bhagalpur and began assessment work.
- May 6: The BRO completed its assessment. Road construction minister Kumar Shailendra inspected the site and reviewed the Bailey bridge plan.
- May 19: The first Bailey bridge was launched over the damaged section.
- May 24: Girders for the second Bailey bridge were launched.
