Gandhinagar: The cable-stayed bridge being constructed at Bhat Circle on the Gandhinagar-Ahmedabad Airport Road is nearing completion, with authorities set to begin the crucial load testing process from Thursday (May 7).

It is learnt that only a small amount of work remains before testing begins. While load tests for most bridges are usually completed within four to five days, the process is expected to take nearly 15 days in this case as it is the first cable-stayed bridge in the district.

As part of the testing procedure, 18 trucks carrying a combined load of around 700 tonnes will be stationed on the bridge to assess its structural stability and strength.

A special platform has been constructed beneath the bridge for the testing process, where digital instruments will be installed to monitor the bridge’s stability. Separate load tests will also be conducted across the 200-metre span of the bridge, during which the tension and weight-bearing capacity of the cables will be examined.

The load test is considered the final stage of bridge evaluation, and the structure will be opened for regular traffic only after the tests are successfully completed. The bridge is expected to become operational within about a month.

Authorities also plan to open the circle beneath the bridge once the bridge becomes functional. Currently, vehicles are being diverted through a U-turn further ahead to ease congestion around the circle.

Meanwhile, around 80 per cent of the asphalt work on the 1.5-km-long bridge stretch has been completed. Ongoing work includes asphalt laying and other finishing activities near the Gandhinagar end and the Narmada Canal side of the project. DeshGujarat