Kolkata: Bad weather defers shutdown of key connector bridge

KOLKATA: The inclement weather and prediction of heavy rains in the next 48 hours have prompted KMDA and Kolkata Police to defer the plans to shut down the Jibanananda Setu on Prince Anwar Shah Road for repairs. According to original plans, the bridge was to be closed for repairs and health audit from 10pm on Friday.

Late on Friday evening, KMDA informed Kolkata traffic police that due to the bad weather, they can’t start the work on Friday night.“They may start work on Saturday morning if weather permits. Otherwise, the work will be pushed back to next week — most likely next Saturday or Sunday,” said DC (traffic) Santosh Pandey.
Jibananda Setu, popularly known as Selimpur Bridge — the lifeline that connects Prince Anwar Shah Road with Anwar Shah Connector and finally EM Bypass — was to be closed for replacement of expansion joint. The bridge, which will also undergo necessary load tests, would have required eight hours of repairs and 48 hours for stabilization.
Police were jittery since the proposed shutdown would have coincided with that of Sealdah flyover that was shut on August 15 for four days.