Delhi: Signature Bridge to temporarily close for traffic

NEW DELHI: Thousands of commuters using the Signature Bridge may have to look for alternative route post-Diwali, with the authorities likely to shut the bridge down for a few hours every day to remove the crane and the machinery used for the construction of the observatory deck on the top of the pylons.
A Delhi government officials said that Delhi Tourism and Transportation Department Corporation (DTTDC), the agency that constructed the bridge and the pylons, will need 12 hours a day for at least 15-20 days to completely remove the tower crane and temporary ladder and platforms from the construction site.Since the equipment is heavy and right above the road, the official said that any movement of traffic on the bridge can not be allowed while the work is on.
Sources said the DTTDC has been asking the traffic police to completely close the area for traffic since June. A DTTDC official said the nature of work is such that it can only be done in the day light. “If we get the closure schedule as asked for, we will be able to complete the work in 15-20 days. If we get lesser number of hours a day, the number of days required to remove the machinery will get extended,” said the official.
While the construction of the bridge was completed and subsequently opened in November last year, the work on the four-storeyed observatory deck at the height of 154-metre was only built in June this year.
A source said that DTTDC had tried to remove some equipment during daytime in June when traffic was moving. However, it was found to be unsafe and was immediately abandoned.
Delhi traffic police confirmed that a request had been received from the government agency for the closure of the bridge. “We have suggested that some days can be given after the festival period when the volume of traffic also thins out,” said a traffic police officer.