Restoration of 50-year-old Sarangapani Bridge in Mayiladuthurai in final phase

Restoration of the Sarangapani Memorial Road Over Bridge (ROB), one of the oldest and most vital links in Mayiladuthurai, is nearing completion with major structural and safety works progressing in full swing.

Constructed in 1974 across Level Crossing 231 on the Kumbakonam–Town Railway section, the 600-metre-long bridge connects Kaveri Nagar and Sitharkadu, forming the core traffic corridor of the town. The State Highways Department is executing a ₹6-crore renovation project aimed at extending the bridge’s lifespan and improving its load-bearing capacity.

While the foundation remains strong, the superstructure and deck have been taken up for extensive strengthening. Damaged concrete beneath the girders is being replaced with new reinforced concrete, and the guniting process is under way to seal cracks and reinforce the pillars.

Of the nine spans, bearing replacement has been completed in five, with the remaining spans progressing steadily. The bridge has 35 expansion joints, all of which are being replaced; welding and steel plate installation are complete on 17 joints so far. The old parapet and handrail walls are being dismantled and replaced with new reinforced concrete parapets for improved safety.

Encroachments on the Sitharkadu side were cleared earlier this year, enabling smooth work flow. Milling of the deck surface is complete, and a new layer of Bituminous Concrete (BC) will soon be laid.

The bridge was closed to traffic from October 3. Officials say over 50% of the work has been completed, and a final inspection is scheduled by November 30, ahead of the bridge’s reopening for public use.

“The Sarangapani Bridge has served the town for nearly five decades. Once reopened, it will ensure safer, smoother traffic and renewed connectivity across Mayiladuthurai,” said a senior highways official.

The project is being supervised by Divisional Engineer M. Manisundaram and Assistant Executive Engineer B. Suryamurthy.