10 May,2009 06:10 AM IST | | Shashank Rao
Makers decide to use ordinary asphalt instead of bitumen, reducing lifespan of bridge
The 5.6 km Bandra-Worli Sea Link (BWSL) is truly getting merged with Mumbai city's gene. Not even this highlight of Mumbai will be spared from being riddled by potholes this coming monsoons.
Road less travelled
After a series of meetings and discussions, the officials constructing BWSL have finally decided to use asphalt that is normally used in bridges and flyovers.
A senior official from Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC) said, "We have scrapped plans of using bitumen usually used on runways and instead are using normal asphalt."
This decision has been taken after the earlier polymer modified bitumen failed to stand on BWSL when tested.
The tarmac was supposed to be laid only when it reached 90 degree Celsius. But began melting at 40 degree Celsius, which means that potholes would have emerged within days of it being laid, deteriorating its quality.
"Technically this material is feasible for the sea link instead of the previously decided bitumen. We have thoroughly assessed the new material before taking a decision to implement it," said Vimal Mundada, PWD
Minister and Chairman, MSRDC.
Nearly a fortnight ago, the subcontractors raised opposition over the issue about the life of the road. MSRDC wanted the road to run smoothly with minor maintenance for 10 years, but the contractors promised only five years due to heavy vehicular traffic. Finally CM Ashok Chavan intervened to sort out the issue and asked them to meet BWSL's deadline of May 31.
Deadline breached?
Apparently, the BWSL will not be able to make the May 31 deadline. Although the sea link was bridged and the last segment connected Bandra and Worli in April-end, smaller pending work will extend the deadline to June 15.
However, MSRDC showed confidence that work will be completed within the deadline without much problem.
"There wouldn't be any more delay and it will be ready by May 31," added Mundada. Some of the pending work includes leveling the road, placing streetlights and clearing the machines placed on the sea link.u00a0
