NH 66 widening: Key Varapuzha bridge set for May opening

Kochi: National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has announced that the three-lane bridge at Varapuzha being constructed as part of NH 66 widening is scheduled to open for traffic in May.While 70% of the overall widening project for this 26km stretch is complete, while three critical bridges — Varapuzha , Kottappuram and Moothakunnam — remain the final hurdles. NHAI aims to wrap up the entire Rs 1,618 crore six-lane expansion by Aug this year, a senior official said. Balanced cantilever method: The centrepiece of this stretch is the new 1.03km Varapuzha bridge. Constructed at a cost of Rs 100 crore, the main structure was completed in a record 604 days. Currently, the work on the northern approach road is progressing and entering the final phase."Once the approach roads are ready, we will conduct a rigorous bridge load test," the official added. The process involves placing heavily loaded specialized vehicles across the spans while sensors monitor structural responses such as vibrations, strains and deflections to ensure long-term durability. "There are seven major and eight minor bridges being constructed along the Edappally-Moothakunnam stretch as part of NH widening. All others, except the bridges at Varapuzha, Koottappuram and Moothakunnam, have been completed," he added. Unlike standard bridges, balanced cantilever method is ideal for spans exceeding 50m. The process involves building segments outward from a central pier. However, it is crucial to ensure the number of segments on the left and right remains identical to maintain stability. Once two opposing cantilevers meet at the mid-span, the section is bridged. The new structure features 26 spans, including a massive 120-metre central span designed specifically for the river traffic. "The method allows for long central spans (120m) which will facilitate unobstructed boat traffic in Periyar River below. Currently, Kochi Water Metro, SWTD and local ferries use the stretch," the official said. Once fully operational, the new bridge is expected to ease the notorious bottleneck at Varapuzha, where traffic currently struggles on the older two-lane structure — which, interestingly, was the first balanced cantilever bridge in Kerala when it opened in 2001.