Nagpur: Around 490 precast concrete blocks will be used for the proposed Lego-style experimental road in Mhalgi Nagar, according to an estimate by the Public Works Department (PWD), which is executing the Rs3 crore project.The project also seeks to address a common problem with cement roads: their higher elevation compared to adjoining roads, plots and houses, often causing inconvenience to residents.PWD officials told TOI that the experimental road would be designed to match the surrounding ground levels, avoiding the excessive elevation often seen in conventional cement roads. The department hopes this approach will reduce waterlogging and prevent rainwater from entering houses.According to departmental estimates, the proposed two-lane stretch will be 330 metres long and 7.5 metres wide. Each precast block will measure 2.5 metres by 3.7 metres and have a thickness of 0.2 metres. Around 490 blocks are expected to be required.Unlike conventional road construction, which involves laying concrete at the site and allowing it to cure, the proposed system will use blocks cast in advance and assembled on location. This could speed up construction and reduce disruption to traffic and access to nearby properties.The trial will help the PWD assess the feasibility of using precast concrete technology on a busy urban road. If successful, the method could offer an alternative to conventional cement roads, allowing faster construction and better control over road elevation.The project is yet to move beyond the planning stage, with the PWD expected to initiate work after completing the necessary formalities.
