RECONSTRUCTION Jagraon Bridge closed from 11 am to 4 pm for 4 days Ludhiana, December 5 Commuters were a harried lot with the closure of Jagraon Bridge causing massive traffic snarls today. The bridge will remain closed between 11 am and 4 pm for the next four days. Massive traffic jams were seen on Old GT Road, Lakkar Bridge, Link Road, Bus Stand flyover, Ferozepur Road and other areas of the city due to the closure of the bridge for reconstruction work. The police have advised that the commuters going from Vishwakarma Chowk towards Ferozepur Road can take the Gill Road flyover or Lakkar Bridge route. Besides, those heading towards Jalandhar Bypass from Ferozepur Road can use the Lakkar Bridge or Damoria Bridge to reach Jalandhar Bypass. With roads choked with vehicles stuck in traffic jams, people were seen walking from Durga Mata Mandir towards the railway station and in other areas. A commuter, Jagjeet Singh, said: “I had been stuck in a traffic jam for several minutes on Lakkar Bridge. The situation was almost similar on Old GT Road. I had no information about the closure of Jagraon Bridge. The authorities concerned must create awareness about the diversion plans.” Earlier, Deputy Chief Engineer of Northern Railway (Jalandhar City) had written to the Municipal Commissioner, Ludhiana, about the closure of the existing bridge for installing temporary girders. According to the Railways, the closure of old bridge is urgently required for five days from December 5 for duration between 11 am to 4 pm. Construction teams have to place temporary beams over trestle foundations. The same work is required for launching bow-string girders, said a railway official. The reconstruction of Jagraon Bridge has missed multiple deadlines. In September, MP Ravneet Singh Bittu had claimed that the ongoing work on the bridge would be completed by November 30, 2019. Commuters caught unawares I had been stuck in a traffic jam for several minutes on Lakkar Bridge. The situation was almost similar on Old GT Road. I had no information about the closure of Jagraon Bridge. The authorities must create awareness on diversion plans. — Jagjeet Singh, A commuter

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