Repair of old Khopta bridge in Uran in final stage, to open to traffic by Diwali

Repair work on the old Khopta bridge, which connects the eastern and western parts of Uran taluka, has entered its final stage. The Public Works Department has said the bridge will be opened to traffic during Diwali. The move will bring major relief to residents of Uran, who have had to take alternative routes and face traffic congestion for several months.

The bridge was built in 1995 on the initiative of former Chief Minister Barrister A. R. Antulay. It is an important link between the eastern and western parts of Uran taluka. In recent years, however, heavy vehicle traffic on this route increased sharply, putting strain on the bridge structure. Given its poor condition, a structural inspection was carried out. It found extensive cracks in the inner part of the bridge and damaged bearings.

Old-style bearings had been fitted when the bridge was built. As such bearings are no longer available in the market, new ones had to be specially made. To strengthen the bridge, modern techniques such as epoxy, grout epoxy, carbon laminate and fibre wrapping were used on the cracked sections after cutting. The four central bearings on the bridge and the inner roller rocker bearings have also been replaced. New railings have been installed for safety.

Work on a new layer and work related to UHPFRC technology is currently under way on the bridge and is being completed quickly. This very strong and durable concrete has been used at only three places in the whole of India: Mumbra, Pune and now the Khopta bridge. The Malaysian technology is highly complex, and the mix has a high proportion of fibre and cement.

Temperature has to be controlled while the concrete is being set. For this, the mix has to be prepared by soaking it with ice at night. That is why the work has been done only at night. So far, 268 metres of concreting has been completed.

Damodar Patil, deputy engineer of the Public Works Department in Uran, said, "The work is almost complete. Once the concrete dries, the bridge will be opened during Diwali."