Vehicular restrictions on Sonapur Bridge from today as repair and rehabilitation work continues

The Sonapur Bridge above Lubha river is undergoing repair and rehabilitation works since the last week. The National Highways Authority of India is working on the repairs and have suggested restrictions of traffic movement on that road. The Deputy Commissioner of East Jaintia Hills District has issued directives about the restrictions of traffic movement, in the Jowai Ratacherra Road in Sonapur Village, since the initiative started. The vehicular movements will be partially restricted once again from February 25 for short intervals and completely closed for two days, from March 12.

The movement of traffic over that bridge was supposed to be limited starting from February 19, 2022, as the results weren’t satisfactory. The restrictions were removed under special circumstances to facilitate the movement of the Election Convoy for Manipur Elections. This request was placed by the Chief Electoral Officer of Manipur and accordingly, the DC of East Jaintia Hills District halted the repair works to allow smooth movement of the election convoy.

The National Highways Authority of India has again requested the office of the DC to resume the repair work on the Sonapur Bridge as it’s of utmost importance, to prevent any mishap. The Highways Authority has also requested the DC to restrict vehicular movement through the bridge once again for smooth completion of works.

The District Magistrate, exercising his power under section 34 (b) and 34 (m) of the Disaster Management Act 2005, was permitted to resume the repair and rehabilitation work and changed the schedule of vehicular restrictions once again. Lower Motor Vehicles up to a total weight of three metric tonnes shall be allowed to ply from February 25 to February 28, 2022. Vehicles like car, jeeps, vans will be allowed during this period. This restriction will be removed after February 28 and reimposed from March 3 to March 6, 2022.

There will be complete restriction of traffic over the bridge for two days again in March. For load testing on the bridge, complete closure of all types of vehicles will be imposed from March 12 to March 14, 2022. These restrictions will come into force with immediate effect as it is a matter of utmost urgency.