Mumbai Coastal Road Arch Bridge Set for Partial Opening on September 15, 2024

BMC Plans Limited Opening of Coastal Road Arch Bridge

Mumbai:

The BMC has indicated that one arm of the Mumbai Coastal Road arch bridge, connected to the Bandra-Worli Sea Link (BWSL), is slated for a tentative opening on September 15, 2024. Civic sources mentioned that the south-bound carriageway, which will be opened, is expected to accommodate northbound traffic from Marine Drive towards Bandra. Final decisions regarding traffic flow will be made by traffic police in consultation with the BMC.

Progress on Asphalting and Remaining Construction

Last weekend, taking advantage of a dry spell, asphalting works were completed, including the final 180m stretch. The BMC chief noted that while the focus is on opening one arm of the bridge this month, construction on the other arm is expected to continue until the end of the year, with two spans still awaiting completion. Additionally, the BMC aims to open the accompanying promenade from Breach Candy to Worli by year’s end, which will include a dedicated cycling track.

Technical Details and Anti-Corrosion Measures

The two arch bridge spans, measuring 136m on the right-hand side (RHS) and 144m on the left-hand side (LHS), are designed to connect with the sea link and weigh a combined 4,000 metric tonnes. Additional spans of 44m, 60m, and 46m contribute to a total steel requirement of 7,000 metric tonnes, sourced from Jindal Steel and Arcelor Mittal Nippon Steel India. The LHS span is larger due to a slight curvature, and both bridges are receiving a five-level paint coating to protect against corrosion in the coastal environment.

BMC Addresses Concerns Over Bridge Alignment

In response to a viral social media post showing the two coastal road bridges at different levels, the BMC clarified that the northbound carriageway is intentionally higher to accommodate the curvature of the approach road from J K Kapur Chowk.