Mangaluru: Traffic movement has been affected after an old bridge near the Karambar petrol pump, under the Bajpe police station limits, developed severe sinkage on Wednesday morning, prompting authorities to close it to vehicular traffic.An official from the PWD Mangaluru division said that the structure is an old arch bridge built in the 1960s, and had developed sinkage. “It is an old RCC bridge, and its side has sunk due to movement of loaded vehicles. A water pipeline and other works are also under way alongside it,” he said.The official said the bridge was closed as a precautionary measure after engineers inspected the site on Wednesday morning and found it to be in a critical condition. The PWD has already begun work on a diversion road alongside the bridge to facilitate the movement of light motor vehicles. The temporary road is expected to be opened in two to three days, the official said.The PWD had proposed reconstruction of the bridge last year as part of a district-wide assessment. While more critical projects were approved, this proposal did not get the nod, and a fresh proposal has now been submitted. The bridge, being an arch structure, cannot be immediately repaired or replaced, the official said.Meanwhile, Bajpe police have advised motorists to use alternative routes until further notice.Those travelling towards Mangaluru and Mangaluru International Airport have been asked to use the Jari Nagar or Porkodi roads. Motorists heading towards Kateel, Bajpe and Kaikamba have also been advised to take the same alternative routes.Mangaluru International Airport also issued a passenger advisory, urging travellers to plan their journeys in advance.
