Sumanahalli flyover opens for light vehicle traffic

BENGALURU: The Sumanahalli flyover, which developed a sinkhole on November 1, is now open for traffic. However, heavy vehicles are not being allowed on it yet as the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) is conducting tests to check the flyover’s strength before allowing them.

Officials said that they are conducting stability tests as a precautionary measure because the flyover was not maintained properly.

“As traffic was piling up on the stretch, we had to open the flyover for traffic and allow light motor vehicles to use the flyover. Heavy vehicles, like trucks and buses, are still not being allowed on the flyover,” a BBMP official said.

The 546-metre bridge connects the north-west part of Bengaluru with south Bengaluru and thousands of vehicles use the flyover every day.

The official said that the flyover will be tested thoroughly. “We will take up non-destructive tests, cover metre and rebound hammer tests as part of the process," he said.

“Ultrasound tests will also be done to ascertain the strength of the bridge. Only after the tests are positive, we will allow heavy vehicles go on the flyover,” he said.

The opening of the flyover for light motor vehicles has come as a relief to commuters of South Bengaluru who take the bridge to reach the Peenya Industrial Area, said a commuter.