A large steel bowstring railway overbridge is set to be installed near Trichy Junction to ease growing traffic congestion in Tiruchirappalli. The project involves collaboration between the Highways Department and the Railway Construction Department.
The steel section features a 58-metre-long, 15-metre-wide bowstring bridge with a 1.5-metre pedestrian walkway, engineered with 594 tonnes of steel girders. The arch-shaped structure is designed to withstand heavy vehicular loads, wind and temperature variations for long-term durability. The Railway Construction Department is handling this section at an estimated cost of Rs 20 crore, with the steel structure to be lifted onto concrete pillars using heavy-duty cranes, followed by concrete decking and finishing works.
The Highways Department is separately constructing a 300-metre-long, 12-metre-wide approach bridge at an estimated cost of Rs 12 crore. Once the steel bridge is positioned, the department will proceed with the remaining 150 metres of approach road. Officials expect the entire project to be completed and open to the public within six months.
Meanwhile, Tiruchirappalli is also grappling with traffic disruptions following the closure of the old Cauvery Bridge for maintenance after 16 years. The three-month closure has caused severe congestion, prompting public protests. Residents also noted an unaddressed demand for a flyover at Sanjeevi Nagar despite earlier assurances from local representatives.
