The bridge across the Chalakudy River on National Highway 544 will be closed for 20 days from Saturday (May 9) for repair works, according to the police. The western-side old bridge will be completely shut to traffic. The closure is to facilitate the replacement of bearings and other urgent maintenance works. During this period, vehicles travelling in both directions will be allowed to use the bridge on the eastern side on a single-lane basis.

Anticipating heavy congestion on the national highway, the Thrissur Rural Police have deployed 25 personnel along with a highway patrol team to manage traffic and ensure smoother movement. Authorities have advised motorists to opt for alternative routes wherever possible to avoid delays and traffic bottlenecks during the repair period.

Delay in underpass work

Meanwhile, work on the underpass at Amballur has been delayed as migrant workers from West Bengal, Assam, and Tamil Nadu have gone to their native places in view of Assembly elections in their States. With much of the workforce away, construction has slowed significantly, with only a few workers currently at the site. Contractors expect the labourers to return next week, after which work is likely to gather pace. With the monsoon approaching and schools set to reopen soon, the delay in completing the underpass has triggered protests from local residents.