Delhi: Signature Bridge To Remain Closed During Odd-Even Scheme

Delhi's Signature Bridge, connecting Wazirabad and East Delhi, will remain shut down for traffic for 12 days from next week. The bridge would remain closed for vehicular traffic from November 4 to 15, reported TOI quoting  senior Delhi government officials. This is the same period when the odd-even scheme will be in effect in Delhi. During this period, lakhs of commuters taking the bridge everyday will have to look for an alternative route.

The bridge, opened in November last year, will be closed as Delhi Tourism and Transportation Department Corporation (DTTDC) will be using this time to remove the machinery and crane, used for the construction of observatory deck on top of the pylons. The work on the four-storey observatory deck, built at the height of 154 m, started in June this year. According to reports, the equipment that needs to be removed includes a tower crane, temporary ladder, and platforms from the construction site. Any movement of traffic on the bridge cannot be permitted while the work in under process.

DTTDC had reportedly made a request to remove some equipment during daytime in June while keeping the bridge open but the plan was found to be unsafe and was immediately abandoned. 

Now, the construction agency has been given the NOC to close the bridge and remove the machinary. According to sources, the permission was expected to be given after the festival period when the volume of traffic usually thins out. With odd-even scheme in effect during the period traffic expected to remain lighter than usual.

The odd-even road rationing scheme will be implemented from 4th November to 15th November. The scheme will also include vehicles coming from other states, and only be implemented on non-transport four-wheeled vehicles while two-wheelers will be exempted.