Trichy: After a prolonged delay, the Trichy corporation has finally commenced construction work on a new bridge across the Uyyakondan canal. The bridge will connect Raja Colony in Cantonment with the PWD aqueduct road leading to the Kuzhumayee Amman temple. This new road is expected to decongest a portion of the narrow Vayalur Road, providing much-needed relief to commuters.
Construction Details and Timeline
Officials have confirmed that work on pile foundations has begun on both banks of the canal, which flows behind the district collectorate. The bridge will measure 18 meters in length and 4 meters in width, making it spacious enough to accommodate cars. However, only one car can use the bridge at a time. The foundation work is expected to be completed within two months. Considering the release of Cauvery water from the Mettur dam, which flows through the canal, the corporation aims to complete the entire bridge before December.
Impact on Local Traffic and Connectivity
The bridge will provide a new link for residents crossing the canal from Raja Colony near the District Industries Centre (DIC) to the rear side of the Bharathi Nagar residential area on Vayalur Road. It will also connect multiple private schools and colleges, thereby preventing a significant number of private vehicles from further congesting the MGMGH area in Puthur. This strategic connection is expected to ease traffic flow in the region.
Financial Allocation and Additional Projects
The local body has sanctioned ₹1.1 crore for the bridge project. Alongside this, another minor bridge has been sanctioned to bypass the canal between the district court’s walking track and Thennur Anna Nagar. However, work on that bridge has not yet begun. Both bridges are designed without pillars to ensure the water flow in the canal remains undisturbed.
