Commuters travelling between Kolkata and Howrah on Sunday will need to plan alternate routes, as Vidyasagar Setu will remain closed to traffic for 16 hours to facilitate major repair and rehabilitation work.
The bridge will be shut from 5 am to 9 pm on Sunday, during which movement of all types of vehicles will be restricted on the bridge as well as its approach ramps.
Repair and rehabilitation work underway
The work is being carried out by the Hooghly River Bridge Commissioners (HRBC) as part of an ongoing maintenance programme for the cable-stayed bridge.
Also Read | Thunderstorms, lightning and rain: What Kolkata can expect this week
According to officials quoted by The Times of India, the exercise will include replacement of stay cables, holding cables and bearings, which are key structural components of the bridge. The temporary closure has been planned to ensure the work can be completed safely and efficiently.
Traffic diversions announced
To manage traffic during the closure, Kolkata Traffic Police has issued a detailed diversion plan for vehicles travelling towards Howrah.
All vehicles approaching from AJC Bose Road via the Zeerut Island side will be diverted from Turf View towards Hastings Crossing. From there, vehicles can proceed through St George's Gate Road and Strand Road before accessing Howrah Bridge.
Similarly, vehicles travelling along KP Road from the J&N Island side towards Vidyasagar Setu will be diverted from 11 Furlong Gate towards Hastings Crossing and then routed towards Howrah Bridge.
Alternate routes
According to the traffic advisory, vehicles coming from Kidderpore Road and heading towards the bridge will also be redirected from 11 Furlong Gate to Hastings Crossing before proceeding along Strand Road towards Howrah Bridge.
Small and heavy vehicles travelling via Circular Garden Reach Road will be diverted from Hastings Crossing through St George's Gate Road and Strand Road.
Also Read | Water metro coming to Kolkata? CM Suvendu Adhikari announces big plans for Bengal's waterways
Traffic police said additional diversions through other arterial roads may be introduced depending on traffic conditions during the day.
Motorists have been advised to allow extra travel time and use alternative routes while the closure remains in effect. Normal movement on Vidyasagar Setu is expected to resume after 9 pm on Sunday once the repair work is completed.
