The old Cauvery bridge on the Tiruchi–Chennai National Highway has been temporarily closed from Thursday for three months to facilitate major maintenance work by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI).

Built in 1963, the bridge is scheduled to undergo extensive repairs at an estimated cost of ₹10 crore. The work includes replacing 120 bridge bearings, maintaining 14 support pillars, repairing 16 strip-seal expansion joints, and carrying out structural strengthening measures. The bridge was last repaired in 2010.

To manage traffic during the closure, the new Cauvery bridge has been converted into a two-way stretch.

Vehicles travelling from Tiruchi towards Chennai are diverted via Sanjeevi Nagar, the new Cauvery bridge, and Kondayampatti before rejoining the highway. Similarly, vehicles coming from Chennai towards Tiruchi will be routed through the Sarkarpalayam approach road, Kondayampatti, the new Cauvery bridge, and Sanjeevi Nagar.

Since the closure would intensify traffic congestion, residents have urged the authorities to complete the repair work before the deadline.