Mumbai: ‘Heavy vehicles could bring this bridge crashing down’

Heavy vehicles on the bridge over Oshiwara creek on Wednesday

The civic body has put up notices at one end of the bridge on SV Road over Oshiwara creek stating that the structure is dilapidated and unsuitable for heavy vehicles, but mid-day has learnt that many drivers of such vehicles are using the connector.

The 55-metre-long bridge is an arterial connector between Jogeshwari and Goregaon and is used by thousands of motorists on a daily basis.

On Wednesday, when this reporter visited the spot, he saw a BMC notice which stated, "The bridge at SV Road on Oshiwara river is in dilapidated condition, heavy motor vehicles (HMV) are strictly not allowed and (it) will remain open only for light motor vehicles (LMV) till further directions (sic)."

A notice put up by the civic body warning motorists that the structure is dilapidated. Pics/Anurag Ahire

In June 2019, the BMC during a structural audit found that the bridge was in a dilapidated condition. The north-bound portion of the bridge was later demolished and the two-way traffic was allowed on the south-bound portion of the structure which has two lanes.

"While I've been consistently travelling across this bridge, a few days ago, I noticed a BMC banner mentioning that the bridge is in a dilapidated state and advising against heavy vehicle usage. However, to my surprise, I witnessed the drivers of heavy vehicles disregarding the BMC's instructions and continuing to use the bridge," said Wasim, a motorist.

When mid-day visited the area, an iron frame was seen at either end of the bridge but no height barrier has been installed to prevent heavy vehicles passing through.

Another motorist, Kunal Chaudhari, said, "Is the BMC waiting for some disaster to happen? If the bridge is dilapidated, it should ensure there are no heavy vehicles on it. The authorities must immediately erect height barriers to avert tragedy."

2019
Year structural audit was carried out