The much-anticipated extension of the Santacruz-Chembur Link Road (SCLR), which crosses over the Western Express Highway (WEH) towards Vile Parle, is set to miss its original May deadline. The Rs 650-crore project is now expected to open to traffic by June 15. The extension is in its final stages, with the cable-stayed bridge spanning the Kalina-Vakola flyover completed. Installation of streetlights and other finishing touches are currently underway.
A spokesperson from the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) stated, “Approximately 98 % of the physical work on the SCLR cable-stayed bridge is complete. The bridge deck is ready for the application of the wearing coat, originally scheduled for completion by the end of May. However, unexpected early monsoon rains have caused delays. Remaining tasks include installing expansion joints on the cable-stayed span, painting, and fitting electric poles. All works, except the expansion joint installation—which will be done after the wearing coat—is progressing well and is expected to finish before the target date.”
Construction of the SCLR extension began in 2016 to alleviate chronic traffic congestion near Kapadia Nagar–Kurla CST Road and the Hans Bhugra Marg–WEH junction. Currently, motorists travelling from Chembur and BKC towards Vile Parle or further north via WEH must exit at the Hans Bhugra Marg–WEH signal, proceed to the Vakola junction, and then continue their journey.
Once operational, the northbound SCLR arm over the WEH will allow motorists to bypass both the Hans Bhugra Marg–WEH and Vakola junction signals, significantly easing traffic bottlenecks. This elevated connector features India’s first sharp-curvature span with an orthotropic steel deck supported by cable stays. The steel deck weighs 1,780 tonnes, stretches 215 metres, and measures 17.5 metres in width. The cable-stayed bridge rises 22 metres above ground level and 9 metres above the Vakola flyover.
Upon completion, the bridge will improve connectivity from Vakola Nullah to Panbai International School on WEH and provide faster access to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA), benefiting thousands of daily commuters.
Source: Mid-day
