VASCO: Load testing on the new signature Zuari Bridge began on Wednesday and the testing will go on for 24 hours with the weight of 32 tonnes loaded onto each of the 32 trucks parked on the bridge.
PWD Minister Nilesh Cabral inspected the new Zuari Bridge and said the old bridge and the new bridge will work as one way for vehicles traversing between Panjim and Margao.
He said the new four-lane bridge would be open for all vehicles including two-wheelers only after all safety measures are adopted and all safety parameters are checked before December end. Also one-lane of the new bridge will be used only by heavy vehicles coming from Panjim side as these vehicles are not allowed to use the old bridge.
Cabral said that the government will soon announce the details of traffic movement on both the bridges and it would be observed on a trial and error basis for 15 days before exact plan is worked out.
Stating that different dates were given to inaugurate the new bridge for long time, he clarified that the bridge will be inaugurated only after all safety measures and safety parameters are checked. The contractor Dilip Building Ltd will inform the PWD about the dates though the government will maintain its promise that the bridge will be opened for vehicular traffic in December.