The state highways department has expedited efforts on the construction and land acquisition for a new high-level bridge across the Cauvery River, linking Trichy mainland to the Srirangam highland. With the river's flow expected to decrease in the coming weeks, the department is accelerating the development of the 96 prestressed girders necessary for the bridge’s construction.

Officials stated that a load test will be carried out on a test pile foundation drilled into the riverbed. The test will apply heavier loads than expected during normal vehicular use to assess the stability of sand and rock layers beneath the riverbed and ensure the bridge’s structural soundness.

Currently, the Cauvery is releasing 3,500 to 4,100 cusecs of water through the Mukkombu regulator. "Riverbed construction, including the pile foundation, will commence in February when water levels are forecasted to drop significantly," said an official. A working platform will be erected for construction workers and machinery.

Of the 96 girders needed, 30 have already been fabricated at a temporary site near Odathurai Road. Once completed, the girders will be transported and assembled for the bridge, which will have 16 spans supported by 15 pillars. At the same time, significant progress has been made on land acquisition for the approach road at the Melachinthamani end of the bridge. A gazette notification outlining the land to be acquired has been prepared, with compensation for patta lands, buildings, and encroachments.

"Although some objections have been raised, we are hopeful of resolving them amicably," an official concluded.