Mumbaiites, plan your commute: Vashi creek bridge repair work to start soon

The Vashi creek bridge will be partially shut from Sunday, February 4 till February 24, for repair work. Traffic on the Panvel-Mumbai section of the creek bridge

The Vashi creek bridge will be partially shut from Sunday, February 4 till February 24, for repair work. Traffic on the Panvel-Mumbai section of the creek bridge will be diverted for these days.

The work had earlier been planned to begin on January 24, but was postponed to February 1, as the preparations had not been completed. (Bachchan Kumar/Hindustan Times)

The work had earlier been planned to begin on January 24, but was postponed to February 1, as the preparations had not been completed.

It has been postponed again for the same reason.

“To ensure smooth flow of traffic on the busy creek, we have planned `no entry’ and diversion of routes,” said deputy commissioner of police (traffic) Nitin Pawar.

Since the repair work will be carried out on the lane on which traffic heads from Panvel towards Mumbai, all vehicles using it will instead use the Sion– Panvel lanes to travel to Mumbai, said Pawar.

During the repair work, the vehicles travelling from Mumbai to Vashi and Panvel will be diverted to the old creek bridge. “Since the old bridge is not in a proper condition, all types of heavy and very heavy vehicles will be banned. Only four-wheelers and light vehicles, along with emergency passenger bus services, will be allowed,” he added.

However, an alternative route has been chalked out for such vehicles.

Heavy and very heavy vehicles will be diverted on the Mumbai-Nasik highway (Eastern Expressway). They will head to Vikhroli, then Airoli toll naka, and then take the Divagaon Circle at Airoli in Navi Mumbai. From there, they can head towards Patni company area, then Mukund Chowk, take the Thane-Belapur road, head to Rabale, Mahape and Turbhe route, from where they can head towards their destination.

“We appeal to all motorists to cooperate with us, and ensure there are no traffic issues during this period,” Pawar added.