New bridge at Mahad also to be shut temporarily

In order to avoid any kind of disturbance to the ongoing search and rescue operation in Mahad, the state highway police have decided to close the new bridge temporarily

In order to avoid any kind of disturbance to the ongoing search and rescue operation in Mahad, the state highway police have decided to close the new bridge temporarily.

Earlier, the old bridge was used for traffic coming from Goa to Mumbai, while new one was used for the traffic going towards Goa (HT Photo)

The traffic on the Mumbai- Goa highway will be diverted on ancillary roads.

After the old bridge washed away last night, the state authorities had used the new bridge for traffic going to either sides. Earlier, the old bridge was used for traffic coming from Goa to Mumbai, while new one was used for the traffic going towards Goa.

“We are going to stop traffic on the new bridge as it can affect the rescue work by this evening. Vehicles coming from Mumbai will be diverted on the road passing through MIDC area, which is about one km before the accident spot. Similarly, traffic coming from Goa will be diverted on the road passing through Mahad city,” said Chandrashekhar Sawant, deputy superintendent of state highway police.

Heavy vehicles will be allowed on the diverted route.

Sawant said the new bridge will be opened for traffic once rescue work is over.