The bridge on Sutlej river in Ropar, that connects Jalandhar, Amritsar and Hoshiarpur to Chandigarh has been closed for heavy traffic till November 25 for repairs. During this period only light vehicles will be allowed on one side of the bridge.

The bridge was constructed in 1952 and the structure has not undergone any major repairs since then. The bridge, however, has started to vibrate under the increasing load, especially during the peak hours.

“Around 51 expansion joints of the bridge will be replaced and the surface will be re-laid for smooth flow of traffic. About Rs 1 crore will be spent for carrying out repair works,” said Punjab PWD National Highways Executive Engineer Karnail Singh.

Singh said,” Boards indicating traffic diversion have been put up in Mohali, Morinda, Machhiwara, Neelon Bridge, Nawanshahr and other places. If one has to go to Jalandhar, Hoshiarpur or Amritsar from Chandigarh, one has to take a detour via Samrala, Machhiwara and Nawanshahr. But the bridge is open for light vehicles.”

“We have given notice in advance to the public through newspapers,” he added.

Earlier, during a meeting held on October 13, the PWD officials had proposed closing the bridge for all traffic.

But on the directions of Deputy Commissioner Priyank Bharti, it was decided to carry on repair works in two phases, keeping one side open for light motor vehicles.

The worst-hit, however, is the LPG supply to Ropar from the gas agency situated in Bhindernagar village, which is on the Ropar-Nurpur Bedi road. The agency supplies to around 22,000 connections in the city.