VASCO
With the inauguration of the new Zuari bridge barely days away, will plans to distribute traffic along the new and old Zuari bridges reduce traffic congestion along the Agassaim-Cortalim stretch of the highway or will there be confusion among motorists on the different routes for different traffic over different bridges?
An official at Dilip Buildcon Ltd (DBL) pointed out that using the old Zuari Bridge as one-way traffic for vehicles from Panaji towards Margao and three lanes as one-way from Margao towards Panaji side will clear traffic congestion in the area.
Speaking to the media, the official said the new Zuari Bridge was almost ready to be opened for traffic anytime soon but refused to comment on the exact date of the opening.
“The final works are almost complete and we are presently taking up cleaning works to offer a final touch up. We have already completed the steel barricading for traffic movement and we are ready to be opened up for motor vehicle movement.”
“As far as the traffic movement is considered, as per government directions, all vehicles moving from Margao side towards Panaji will use the new Zuari Bridge as one way and there will be three of the four lanes of the new bridge dedicated for this traffic movement.”
“All light vehicles moving from Panaji towards Margao/Vasco side will use the old Zuari Bridge as one-way.”
“Since heavy vehicles are not allowed on the old bridge, these heavy vehicles will have one lane of the new Zuari Bridge for movement. This one lane on the new Zuari Bridge will be dedicated only for heavy vehicles and we will not allow other vehicle on this lane as they can use the old Zuari Bridge as one way to move towards Margao side,” said the official.
The official said DBL will also have diversions at two locations on the new Zuari Bridge since the entire project is not completed and there will be speed limit on this bridge.
“We have 20 kmph speed limit on those locations and a speed limit of 40 kmph near approaches to the bridge. We have kept a low-speed limit because of diversions and we don’t want congestion in the initial stages and have a smooth traffic movement,” said the official.
“As far as people wanting to move from Panaji side towards Vasco, they can use the old Zuari Bridge which is a one-way and turn at Cortalim circle while heavy vehicles that get on the new Zuari Bridge at Agassaim will have to go all the way to Verna and use that highway to move towards Vasco. Similarly, people wanting to get on the new bridge can use the up-ramp that is readily available,” the official added.
New Zuari Bridge opening date soon: CM
PANAJI: One lane of Zuari Bridge will be thrown open for public very soon, said Chief Minister Pramod Sawant. The announcement of opening of Zuari Bridge will be made in two days’ time. Union Minister Nitin Gadkari may come to inaugurate the bridge, he said.
