SHILLONG, SEPT 17: The state government on Wednesday announced that the historic Motphran over-bridge will be dismantled on September 20 after technical experts declared the bridge to be unsafe for used by pedestrians. The over 30 year-old bridge was built near a sandstone monument erected by the British to pay tribute to the brave souls who selflessly laid down their lives for the cause of Britain during the World War I.
“The Motphran Bridge will be dismantled on the September 20 and the process of dismantling will continue till the following day on September 21,” an official informed.
The police department has also announced traffic arrangement to be followed during the dismantling period of the bridge.
SP (traffic) NK Syiem said there will be restriction on the entry of vehicles towards Motphran with effect from September 20 to 21 from 7 pm onwards.
Syiem informed vehicles coming from Jaiaw and proceeding towards Police Bazaar will go via Riatsamthiah and Umsohsun and also through Wahingdoh Road near the office of the Syiem of Mylliem, Mawkhar.
LMV are allowed to proceed till Municipal Parking Lot Opposite Synod complex and to take a’U’ turn from the Parking Lot, Syiem said adding that vehicles coming from Police Bazaar side can proceed to old Cherra through Sweepers Lane.
Syiem, however, informed vehicles coming from Iew Mawlong are allowed to proceed till Sohra stand while adding that vehicles coming from Police Bazaar are allowed to proceed till Bimola point.
Informing that the traffic police will also be imposing a no parking zone during this period, Syiem said that the no parking zone will be along the stretch from Khasi National Durbar Hall Mawkhar till municipal Parking Lot Mawkhar. And also Along the stretch from Bimola Point towards Iew Mawlong ie the entire stretch of Sweeper’s Lane, he added.
It may be mentioned as per the experts the major components of the bridge like the steel column has become weak as signs of twisting of thin walled section were observed and it may further progress due to over loading or during seismic event.
Lately, the over bridge has been occupied by second hand clothes merchants and other hawkers leaving very little for the pedestrians. However the district administration has imposed section 144 CrPC order and had also successfully evicted the hawkers despite of strong opposition citing it cannot compromise with the safety of the hawkers and pedestrians.- By Our Reporter
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