Gurez admin shuts Markoot bailey bridge

Bandipora, Aug 28: The administration in Gurez here in north Kashmir’s Bandipora district has ordered the immediate closure of the 160-foot double-double reinforcement Bailey Bridge at Markoot after structural damage was detected on the bridge.
According to an order issued by the Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM), Gurez, five pairs of upstream panels of the bridge at kilometre 81.375 were found bent and deformed, prompting authorities to suspend movement of all types of vehicles with immediate effect.
The bridge will remain closed until detailed technical inspection and necessary repairs are completed, the order stated.
Traffic will be allowed to resume only after a formal safety clearance is issued by the Board of Technical Officers.
Commuters and drivers have been advised to use alternative routes through Dawar Bridge or Wanpora Bridge during the closure.
The administration has sought public cooperation while restoration and repair work is undertaken.
The closure comes after structural defects were detected on a key bridge serving the Gurez area, raising concerns over the safety of vehicular movement across the damaged structure. [KNT]