Surat: The first spell of monsoon rain has not only exposed widespread damage to roads in urban areas like Surat and Navsari but also highways and expressways in south Gujarat, disrupting traffic and raising concerns over construction quality and maintenance preparedness.In Navsari district, the Bilimora-Amalsad road suffered major damage near the bridge approach over the Ambika river. A hole about five feet wide developed on the approach road surface, accompanied by visible cracks. Following the damage, the bridge was closed to traffic to prevent accidents and repair work was initiated. Officials claimed that the traffic movement was restored.Officials from the roads and buildings department told TOI that the river’s water level rose sharply after heavy rainfall in the catchment area, increasing the flow’s intensity. According to the department, the strong current led to erosion of soil along the bridge approach, creating a gap beneath the surface that later caved in. Emergency measures were taken to cordon off the affected portion and begin restoration.Damage was also reported on National Highway 48 in Valsad near Dhamdachi, where potholes developed and affected the movement of vehicles. Commuters reported slower traffic and instances of vehicle damage due to uneven patches and sudden depressions. The National Highways Authority of India began repair work on Saturday to address the potholes and stabilise the affected stretch.On the Kim-Bharuch expressway route, a more serious incident was reported near Piludra, where a section of the structure collapsed during heavy monsoon rain. A concrete slab on a bridge caved in, creating a deep hole estimated at seven to eight feet and exposing iron reinforcement rods. The sudden collapse led to vehicles crashing into the opening and overturning, triggering safety concerns on a stretch that opened recently.Further along the express highway near Kim crossroad, a cement concrete slope protection cover was washed away during rainfall, leading to soil erosion. The loss of the protective layer created a visible void beneath the highway surface, adding to fears of further weakening if heavy rain continues.Authorities initiated repairs at multiple locations, while traffic diversions and safety barricades were implemented in affected areas.
