Anandapur: The repair of the Baitarani bridge, which is in a bad shape, here in Keonjhar district has started.
Assistant executive engineer of PWD Samir Kumar Adhikari along with the staff of a Hyderabad-based construction firm had taken stock of the bridge two months ago.
After estimate of the repair work, the contractual firm has started work. Framing work has begun for a pillar where a bearing had dislodged.
The company has brought necessary equipment and machinery to the site to lift the bridge.
The department officials have intimated the Collector about the need for stopping vehicular movement on the bridge during the ongoing repair.
Bijay Kumar Mishra, president of Dhanei Committee, a local organisation, had first noticed dislodgement of a bearing on a pillar in July 2018 and immediately informed the authorities. Besides, a portion of the side protective wall at the affected spot has also sunk three to four inches, showing up a crack.
Local people said some holes had been drilled on the bridge to let rain water down. They suspected that the vibrations during the drilling might have resulted in the displacement of the bearing.
The bridge bears a major burden of traffic on NH-53 and NH-20 in the area.
Officials and engineers had then visited the bridge and inspected the spot, but refuted any possible danger to the structure.
Officials of Anandapur PWD said steps would be taken soon to get the bearing fixed.
PNN
