Salogra bridge gets experts’ go ahead, work to resume soon

Construction of a crucial viaduct bridge near Salogra on the Solan-Kandaghat stretch of National Highway-5 will resume soon, following the validation of its key technical parameters by experts. The work had been put on hold for several months to ensure that all technical aspects were reviewed thoroughly.

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The 120-meter-long bridge is the third viaduct bridge to be constructed as part of the ongoing four-laning project on the Parwanoo-Solan-Kaithlighat stretch of the NH-5. The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) is overseeing the project, with construction being carried out by ARIF Engineers.

NHAI Project Director Anand Dahiya explained that the unusually high height of the two circular piers at 40 meters prompted the review. While piers of 30-35 meters have been built at other locations, such as near TTR near Parwanoo, the additional height of this bridge raised concerns. The presence of an old Shiva temple at the proposed site also complicated land acquisition, leading to the use of two circular piers for the bridge. To address these challenges, the NHAI consulted experts from its design wing and the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi.

A viaduct is a long bridge-like structure designed to carry a road over valleys, rivers, or other low-lying terrain. It typically consists of a series of arches, piers, or columns that support the roadway.

The bridge, which will feature a steel structure, will have three spans and two piers. Once completed, downhill traffic from Shimla to Chandigarh will use the new bridge, while the uphill traffic will continue to use the old highway, which will be improved after the bridge work is finished. The project is expected to be completed within six to eight months.

Two other viaduct bridges were constructed earlier near Parwanoo and Patta Mor after the road was deemed unfit for expansion due to sliding zones. These bridges, which were not part of the original design, were added to the project to meet the specific needs of the sites.