BANGALORE: Those who travel frequently on the flyover on Mysore Road and in traffic jams during monsoon, should get ready to face more. The Palike is now undertaking a face-lift work of the city’s oldest flyover. The work might close one of the entrances of the flyover. Though for a short term, this initiative is expected to create chaos. However, it is inevitable.The city’s first flyover, which is 2.65-km long and connects Narasimha Raja (NR) Road and Sirsi Circle on Mysore Road, was opened to the public in 1998. This was built by Larsen and Toubro (L & T) company at a cost of `97 crore. It was maintained by them till 2001. But later, the gaps between expansion joints emerged and over a period of time it started increasing further. This posed a serious threat to the safety of the road users, especially two wheelers.Now, after 14 years, the BBMP is undertaking its renovation work. Speaking with City Express, BT Ramesh, engineer-in-chief, BBMP said that they had floated tenders four times earlier. But they did not get the qualified people who can give a proper face-lift to the age old flyover. Ramesh added, “We have floated the tender for the fifth time. This time, we got the response. We are conducting technical evaluation process and the best one will be selected soon.” Face-lift of the flyover includes two parts, replacement of the present modular expansion joints with finger-type expansion joints and re-asphalting of the same. It is said that finger-type expansion joints lasts longer. Replacement of expansion joints is estimated `2.66 crore, while asphalting of the road is estimated to cost `1.6 crore. “Once the expansion joint works starts, we will under take asphalting work too simultaneously. “Work is expected to start by end of August or September first week,” he added.BBMP officials said that due to work, they have to close one of the roads. “It is impossible to work with the heavy traffic flow everyday. We will not close all the roads at a time. Firstly, we will close the outlet near K R Market side. Once it is ready, we will open this outlet and close the entrance near Town hall,” official said. “It is a matter of three to four months. We urge the public to co-operate with us till that time,” requested the official. BBMP will talk to the traffic police for traffic maintenance too.
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