PWD to assess diversion plan feasibility during trial
Traffic navigates through the under-construction stretch of NH-66 between Guirim and Porvorim, where work on the elevated corridor is underway.
MAPUSA
The Public Works Department (PWD) has proposed the closure of certain stretches of National Highway 66 to facilitate the ongoing construction of the elevated corridor between Porvorim and Guirim.
A trial run to assess the diversion plan will be conducted on Monday, October 13, between 10 am and 1 pm, following which the closure is expected to come into effect.
According to an order issued by North Goa District Magistrate Ankit Yadav (IAS), the proposed closure will cover two key stretches – from Aradi Junction to Holy Family Church Junction (P8 to P16) and from O’Coqueiro Junction to Shivaji Chowk (P55 to P67).
As per the order, the left side main carriageway of the NH-66 from O’Coqueiro (P55) to Shivaji Chowk (P67) and the right-hand side carriageway from Damian de Goa (P16) to Aradi Junction (P8) will remain closed to all vehicular traffic, except for emergency services such as ambulances and fire brigades.
Diversions for heavy, light vehicles
Heavy vehicles, including luxury passenger buses (except those carrying essential commodities and fuel tankers), heading towards Panaji will be diverted from Karaswada via Bicholim, while heavy vehicles travelling towards Mapusa from Panaji will have to take the Panaji-Old Goa-Sankhalim-Bicholim-Assonora-Tivim route.
Light vehicles proceeding to Panaji will be diverted from Aradi Junction, Socorro, towards Defence Colony via the Kadamba Depot and further along B B Borkar Road to join the service lane via Shivaji Chowk.
Additionally, the Socorro-Sangolda Junction to Socorro Church Junction stretch will be made one-way and traffic heading to Mapusa will be diverted from O’Coqueiro Junction via CHOGM Road, Sangolda and Guirim.
Measures for local access, safety
The order further states that suitable access points will be provided for local residents and establishments along the closed sections.
Traffic marshals will be deployed round the clock by the contracting agency under the supervision of the traffic police to ensure smooth movement and safety. The agency has also been directed to install prominent signboards, diversion indicators and no-parking boards at strategic locations.
All necessary road safety measures will be implemented in line with the guidelines of the Indian Roads Congress (IRC) and the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH).
The trial run on October 13 will help authorities evaluate the diversion plan and make adjustments before the full closure is enforced for the elevated corridor construction.
