Traffic movement on the newly constructed four-lane bridge near Narla on the Mandi-Pathankot highway in Mandi district was fully restored on Friday afternoon after the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) completed repairs to a minor settlement in the bridge’s approach retaining wall.
Repair Details and Safety Assurance
According to NHAI Project Director Varun Chari, the settlement was limited to the approach portion of the bridge and did not affect the main structure. As a precautionary measure, vehicular movement had been suspended on Thursday to allow engineers to carry out immediate repair work.
“Traffic has now started on the bridge. The settlement portion of the approach wall has been repaired, and it was a minor repair. The bridge structure is safe,” Chari said.
Bridge Construction and Cost
The bridge, located near the Narla petrol pump under Padhar subdivision, had recently been opened for traffic after completion of construction and load testing. However, movement was halted briefly after engineers noticed settlement on one side of the approach structure during routine inspection.
Repair teams promptly stabilised the Earth Retaining Wall (ERW) section and restored the alignment of the approach, ensuring safe resumption of traffic. Officials maintained that the issue was confined only to the approach retaining wall and that the bridge itself remained structurally sound throughout.
The 36-metre-long bridge has been constructed at a cost of Rs 3.52 crore as part of the ongoing four-lane expansion of the Mandi–Pathankot highway.
Ongoing Monitoring
Chari said a joint technical review would continue to monitor the site, particularly during the ongoing monsoon season, to ensure the long-term stability and safety of the bridge and its approaches.
