PIMPRI: Construction of a new bridge parallel to the old Harris bridge at Dapodi on the Pune-Mumbai highway is nearly complete and it will be thrown open for vehicular traffic soon.

Authorities said that the construction of the new bridge is 90 per cent complete.

With the opening of the new bridge, there will be four bridges over the Mula river in Dapodi, two each for the Pune-bound  and Dapodi-bound traffic.

The bridges at Dapodi are major links connecting Pune and Pimpri Chinchwad.

The construction of the bridge commenced in May 2016. The contractor was given one year’s extension as the relocation of the houses of people at the site was delayed.

The 410-metre long bridge has been constructed at an estimated cost of Rs 23 crore cost.

The Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation has also decided to undertake repairs of the British regime period Harris bridge. The decision to undertake maintenance of the bridge was taken after conducting a safety audit of the old bridge.

Presently, many plants have grown on the walls of the bridge, causing threats to the old structure.

The repairs will be undertaken after the new bridge at the site is opened for traffic. The old bridge will be temporarily closed for traffic during the repair work.