Residents of Nolambur, Mogappair, and Maduravoyal in Chennai are on the brink of a major transformation in their daily commute. The long-awaited, high-level bridge over the Cooum river is in its final stages and is slated for a public opening in February 2026. This ₹44 crore infrastructure project promises to replace a hazardous, decades-old causeway, bringing safer, faster, and more dignified travel to thousands.
A Bridge Built for Safety and Dignity
For years, commuters have been forced to use a low-level causeway constructed back in 1996. Located a mere 20 metres from the new bridge site, this old crossing has been a persistent source of trouble. It frequently submerges during the monsoon rains, becoming impassable and unsafe, particularly for cars and heavy vehicles. This forced long, inconvenient detours on residents.
Valasaravakkam zonal chairman V Rajan recalled the harsh realities of the past, stating that before the original road-level structure, women and students often had to wade through the polluted river water to cross, carrying extra clothes to change into after getting drenched. The new bridge is seen as a firm step towards restoring and reinforcing the dignity of daily travel for the local community.
Project Details and Imminent Completion
The ambitious project is being executed by the Greater Chennai Corporation at a cost of ₹44 crore, excluding expenses for land acquisition. The structure itself is a 160-metre-long, four-lane bridge designed for modern traffic needs.
As of early January 2026, the majority of the structural work is complete. According to Chairman Rajan, only the installation of two final deck slabs, road surfacing (blacktopping), the construction of approach roads, and the fitting of street lights remain. The remaining deck slabs are expected to arrive by the end of January 2026. Civic authorities are targeting to finish all work by mid-February, with hopes for a formal inauguration by Chief Minister M K Stalin.
Enhanced Connectivity and Economic Impact
The strategic importance of this bridge is significant for local connectivity. It directly links Union Road from the Maduravoyal–Mogappair area to the crucial Poonamallee High Road, a key state highway. Once operational, it will eliminate a lengthy 5-kilometre detour via Mogappair, slashing travel time by an estimated 10 to 15 minutes and providing seamless access to the arterial road.
The anticipation of the bridge has already catalysed a positive shift in the local real estate market. Property prices in Nolambur have reportedly risen from around ₹6,000 to ₹10,000 per square foot, with an influx of gated communities. To ensure smooth access, the civic body also acquired 4,396 square metres of private land for the project's approach roads.
The upcoming inauguration in February marks the end of a challenging era for commuters and the beginning of a new chapter of improved connectivity, safety, and growth for the western neighbourhoods of Chennai.
