Vallathaikkadavu bridge to open to traffic next week

After a long wait, the Vallathaikkadavu bridge over the Cherupuzha, connecting Karamoola and Vallathaippara in Karassery grama panchayat, is set to open to traffic next week. The new bridge is expected to ease travel through the hilly agricultural areas of eastern Kozhikode.C.K. Kasim, MLA, said the bridge would be opened to traffic without waiting for the completion of all the remaining works. Tarring, painting, and some other works are still pending. The decision to open the bridge at the earliest was taken in view of the difficulties faced by residents, who have been forced to take lengthy detours since the construction began.“The Vallathaikkadavu bridge will be opened to traffic within 10 days, without waiting for the entire construction work to be completed. The official inauguration will be held later,” Mr. Kasim said.Though the concrete work on the bridge was completed several months ago, its opening was delayed as the approach roads were not ready. The work to raise the roads with earth and connect them to the bridge is now almost complete, and tarring is expected to be taken up soon.The old vented-pipe bridge at Vallathaikkadavu was demolished to make way for the new bridge, constructed at a cost of around ₹5 crore. Construction began in January 2024 to provide a permanent solution to the frequent disruption of traffic caused by the submergence of the old bridge during the monsoon. The project was initially delayed owing to design changes.The old bridge was narrow and prone to flooding, often remaining submerged for days during heavy rain. The new bridge has been built at a higher elevation and is expected to provide a more reliable connection between the two sides of the river.Once opened, the bridge will ease travel from the Mukkom region to hilly areas such as Thekkumkutty, Maranchatti, and Chundathumpoyil. At present, residents have to take a longer route to reach Vallathaippara and other nearby areas. Published - September 15, 2026 07:11 pm IST