Shillong: The Meghalaya Power Generation Corporation Limited (MePGCL) announced on Saturday that due to unforeseen technical complications, the weight restriction on vehicles crossing the Umiam Dam bridge has been extended.
The restriction, which applies to vehicles exceeding 4 metric tonnes (MT), will now remain in effect until April 25, exceeding the previously scheduled completion date of April 8.
This extension is necessary to ensure the successful completion of ongoing retrofitting work on the bridge.
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The project, which began last week, involves replacing the bearings of the two-span bridge, each containing six bearings
Upon completion, the bridge will be reopened to normal vehicular traffic.
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Significantly, this marks the first time the bridge has undergone repairs since its construction in 1965.
The decision to conduct the retrofitting work stems from the approaching end of the bridge’s initially projected 100-year lifespan in 2024.