Raigad Bans Heavy Vehicles On Revdanda-Salav Bridge

In a move to ensure public safety, the Raigad district administration has banned the movement of vehicles weighing over 20 tonnes on the Revdanda-Salav bridge in Alibag taluka. The restriction, which came into effect immediately, will remain in place until the completion of repair works on the bridge.

The decision was taken after the Public Works Department (PWD) raised concerns over the bridge's condition, which is currently undergoing structural strengthening and repair works. Although the repair work has reached its final stage, the PWD warned that allowing vehicles exceeding 20 tonnes could compromise the bridge's safety.

Earlier, a 12-tonne load restriction had been imposed on the bridge. However, based on the latest technical assessment, the administration has now revised the restriction, banning only vehicles above 20 tonnes. Strict traffic regulations have also been prescribed for other vehicles, including a speed limit of 30 kmph and a minimum gap of 20 metres between two vehicles.

To facilitate the movement of heavy vehicles, the district administration has notified alternate routes. Vehicles travelling from Alibag towards Murud have been diverted via Poynad-Vadkhal-Nagothane-Kolad-Roha-Talekhar-Salav, Pezari Check Post-Nagothane-Kolad-Roha-Talekhar-Salav, or Belkade-Wave-Sudkoli-Roha-Talekhar-Salav. Similarly, heavy vehicles travelling from Murud towards Alibag have been advised to use the Salav-Talekhar-Chanera-Roha-Kolad-Nagothane-Vadkhal-Poynad-Alibag route, the Salav-Talekhar-Roha-Kolad-Nagothane-Pezari Check Post-Alibag route, or the Salav-Talekhar-Roha-Sudkoli-Wave-Belkade-Alibag route.

The restriction will not apply to vehicles carrying essential commodities, including milk, petrol, diesel, LPG cylinders, medicines, medical oxygen, vegetables, and drinking water. The district administration has appealed to transporters and motorists to use the designated diversion routes and strictly follow traffic regulations to ensure the safety of the bridge and avoid any untoward incidents.

The Raigad district administration's decision is expected to affect the movement of heavy vehicles in the region, but it is necessary to ensure public safety. The administration has assured that the repair works on the bridge are in the final stage and will be completed soon. Until then, the restrictions will remain in place.

The district administration has also warned that any violation of the restrictions will be strictly dealt with, and action will be taken against those found guilty. The administration has urged the public to cooperate and follow the rules to ensure their safety and the safety of others.

In the meantime, the public can expect some inconvenience due to the diversion of heavy vehicles. However, the district administration has assured that the alternate routes will be monitored and maintained to ensure smooth traffic flow. The administration has also requested the public to report any incidents or violations to the authorities immediately.

Overall, the Raigad district administration's decision to ban heavy vehicles on the Revdanda-Salav bridge is a necessary step to ensure public safety. The administration's efforts to complete the repair works on the bridge and ensure the safety of the public are commendable, and the public is expected to cooperate and follow the rules to ensure their safety and the safety of others.