KOZHIKODE: The work of the much-awaited Mahe bypass from Azhiyur excise check-post in Kozhikode district to Muzhappilangad in Kannur is progressing at a fast pace.
The 18.6 km road is expected to ease the perennial traffic snarls on the NH-66 between Kozhikode and Kannur.
The bypass with 18 main junctions and 5.5-metre wide service roads on both sides will pass through Muzhappilangad, Dharmadam, Thalassery, Thiruvangad,
Eranjoli, Kodiyeri, Mahi and Chokli.
Along the bypass, four bridges will come up across rivers and a rail-over-bridge at Azhiyur. It also envisages 19 culverts and 37.2-km drainage system.
The official inauguration of the work was held on October 30, 2017, jointly by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and Union minister for road transport and highways, Nitin Gadkari.
The work commenced on December 4 that year.
"The piling work of bridges across Anjarakandy and Kuyyali rivers is over. The piling across Dharmadam River will be completed next week," said an officer with National Highway Authority of India (NHAI).
The Rs 1181-crore project is expected to be complete by May 31 net year as per the contract.
"The bypass will lessen the distance between Kozhikode and Kannur to a big extent," said Thalassery MLA A.N. Shamsheer.
