Daytime movement of bridge segments banned
INFRA PUSH: Work on the elevated corridor has picked up pace, moving beyond the O’Coqueiro junction on the NH66 stretch at Porvorim.
MAPUSA
With traffic disruptions along the Porvorim stretch expected to intensify, the North Goa District Magistrate has banned daytime transportation of bridge segments and ordered the diversion of heavy Kadamba buses to alternative depots, even as Phase-II road closures for the Porvorim elevated corridor project have kicked in.
District Magistrate Ankit Yadav (IAS) ordered that traffic diversions and closures remain in force till March 19.
Under Phase-II, roads will be closed from P20 near Damian de Goa to P24 near the Hyundai showroom, and from P55 near O’Coqueiro junction to P51 near Dr Anil D’Silva.
The administration has clarified that Phase-II closures will be implemented only after completion of Phase-I, which covers closures from P16 near ODP Road to P20 near Damian de Goa, and from P16 Kadamba Restaurant to P55 near O’Coqueiro junction.
Citing safety and congestion concerns, the District Magistrate has directed that transportation of bridge segments shall not be carried out during daytime hours. Additionally, heavy Kadamba buses will be diverted from the Porvorim depot to another depot for the duration of the elevated corridor project.
The order notes that, due to the steep ascent on ODP Road, heavy vehicles carrying essential commodities will not be allowed to travel from the Mapusa side. However, one lane of the existing carriageway will be kept open for all vehicles moving from Mapusa towards Panaji to ensure continued connectivity.
To minimise inconvenience, all diversion routes must be maintained in motorable condition with adequate lighting, removal of wild vegetation, and proper height clearance of electrical wires.
The contractor has also been instructed to sprinkle water twice daily along diversion routes to prevent dust pollution.
Given the limited manpower with the Traffic Police, the contractor will be required to deploy at least two traffic marshals at each diversion point.
A dedicated emergency lane must be kept open on either side for ambulances, fire brigade vehicles, and other emergency services, which may also be used to ease traffic congestion if required.
No road closure or diversion will be permitted without prior intimation to the Traffic Cell, Porvorim, and the Porvorim Police Station.
The Public Works Department has been directed to publicise the road closures and diversions through print and electronic media, and to erect large informatory boards at all entry points.
