The Cauvery Bridge on the Tiruchi-Chennai bypass will be reopened for traffic by October 15

There is chaos on the Tiruchi-Chennai highway near Srirangam as the Tiruchi-Chennai bypass bridge has been closed for repairs. | Photo credit: M. MOORTHY

Repairs and maintenance work underway on the Cauvery Bridge on the Chennai-Tiruchi-Madurai National Highway should be completed by October 15, Tiruchi Member of Parliament Durai Vaiko and sources at the National Highways Authority of India said.

The reopening of the bridge for traffic would bring immense relief to commuters as the Tiruchi-Chennai highway in Srirangam has been facing severe traffic jams ever since the bridge was closed for repairs.

Built in 1963, the bridge is undergoing extensive repairs at an estimated cost of ₹10 crore. It was closed on 25 June to facilitate repairs by the NHAI concessionaire maintaining the section and traffic was diverted through another carriageway between Sanjeevi Nagar Junction and Kondayampettai. The closure of the bridge resulted in a large number of drivers using the Tiruchi-Chennai main road, which runs through Srirangam to and from the NH.

Residents of Srirangam have been complaining of a harrowing experience in their daily commute for the past few months due to severe traffic jams on the Tiruchi-Chennai highway between Tollgate No. 1 and Anna Statue Junction.

Traffic jams became common right from the Chinthamani traffic light and on the old Cauvery bridge in the city, Thiruvanaikovil bridge and Kollidam bridge right through the day. Bumper-to-bumper traffic has become the order of the day on most days. Chaos has reigned at the automatic traffic light in Mambazhasalai, residents complain.

“The NHAI authorities had earlier informed me that the work would be completed by October 10. However, they needed more time due to some additional work. Due to heavy traffic congestion on alternate routes and the approaching Deepavali festival season, I have requested the NHAI officials to complete the work without any delay. The NHAI officials have assured me that the work will be fully completed by October 15,” Mr. Vaiko.

The repair includes the replacement of 120 bridge bearings, the maintenance of 14 support pillars, the repair of 16 expansion joints with belt seals and the implementation of measures to strengthen the structure. The bridge was last repaired in 2010.

NHAI sources told The Hindu that all 120 bearings have been replaced and repairs to 15 out of 16 expansion joints have been completed. Work is currently underway on the final dilation and repair of the pedestrian walkway. All the work would be completed by October 15, they added.

Published – 03 Oct 2026 17:54 IST