Aluva bridges to face repair shutdown; traffic diversions from Oct 28
MOTORISTS travelling through Aluva will face significant traffic restrictions for 10 days from October 28 to November 6 as repair work is undertaken on the old Marthanda Varma Bridge and Desom Bridge.
The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has ordered urgent maintenance following a structural safety assessment by experts from IIT Madras. The inspection reportedly identified concerns requiring immediate repairs.
The old Marthanda Varma Bridge on NH 544 will remain completely closed during the repair period. Traffic on the new Marthanda Varma Bridge will be allowed in both directions, with vehicles moving through a single lane at a time. Desom Bridge will also face partial closure, further affecting traffic movement in the area.
Major traffic diversions
According to the traffic advisory reported by the media, the following routes will be used for heavy vehicles:
Thrissur to Ernakulam: Heavy vehicles, including container lorries, tipper trucks and petroleum tankers, must divert at Irinjalakuda and proceed via Kodungallur, North Paravur and the Cheranalloor Signal Road.
Thrissur to Aluva: Heavy vehicles must divert at Angamaly and travel via Kalady and Perumbavoor.
Ernakulam and Vyttila to northern destinations: Heavy vehicles must divert from Edappally via Cheranalloor Signal, Paravur and Kodungallur.
Kakkanad: Heavy vehicles must use the Kalamassery Container Road and proceed towards Paravur and Kodungallur.
Kalamassery and Angamaly: Heavy vehicles will not be permitted to enter Aluva during the restriction period.
Vehicles travelling from Varapuzha and Kadungalloor towards Aluva must follow the diversion via Kadungalloor Junction, UC College Road and Paravur Kavala.
Vehicles travelling from Aluva towards Varapuzha and Kadungalloor must turn left at Thottakkattukara Junction and use Kadungalloor Road.
Buses and other vehicles coming from Angamaly and Paravur must continue along the highway without turning towards Manappuram from Paravur Kavala. Traffic will also be restricted on the Paravur Kavala–Thottakkattukara service road.
Airport passengers advised to plan ahead
The restrictions could cause substantial congestion on roads leading to Cochin International Airport at Nedumbassery. Passengers are advised to leave early, allow extra time for their journeys and check traffic updates before setting out.
Police have also urged the public to use public transport wherever possible to reduce congestion.
While the repairs are considered urgent for public safety, the simultaneous disruption of two important bridges is expected to inconvenience daily commuters and long-distance travellers. Motorists are advised to follow police instructions and use the designated alternative routes throughout the repair period.
