Nethravati bridge work hits traffic movement between Pumpwell and Thokkottu on NH 66

Slow two-way movement of vehicles on one side of the Nethravati bridge, on National Highway 66 at Jeppinamogaru resulted in traffic jam between Thokkottu and Pumpwell on Wednesday evening.

Slow two-way movement of vehicles on one side of the Nethravati bridge, on National Highway 66 at Jeppinamogaru resulted in traffic jam between Thokkottu and Pumpwell on Wednesday evening.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (Crime and Traffic) K. Ravi Shankar said there was a marked increase in the traffic coming to Mangaluru from Kerala resulting in vehicles moving on a snail’s pace in the evening hours. Measures are being taken to streamline the two-way movement of traffic on the new Nethravati bridge, he said.

The old Nethravati bridge was closed for traffic from April 1 by the NHAI for taking up rehabilitation works. The works will be done for a month in which girders of the old bridge will be lifted and related nuts will be re-calibrated. Potholes on the carriageway will be filled. Hence, two-way movement of vehicles has been permitted on the new bridge. The traffic police have reopened the highway median near Adam Kudru. Vehicles from Kasargod/Thokkottu are being diverted to the new bridge through this opening.

Anticipating traffic congestion due to two-way movement, Police Commissioner Anupam Agrawal had urged drivers and riders of all vehicles to drive on the stretch with caution. He had also asked motorists to avoid the route during peak hours.