The work on the construction of the overbridge in Sector 17 started here on Friday. To be constructed from Anand Theatre to KC Theatre,the overbridge would be built at a cost of Rs 12.46 crore. Mayor Raj Bala Malik along with officials of the Municipal Corporation went to the site for initiation of work. The bridge,which would be 22-foot-wide,would be dual carriage way and have pedestrian walkways on both sides. The construction of the bridge is part of the proposal to make Sector 17 vehicle-free. It was also part of the proposals of the creator of the city,Le Corbusier. While the plan for the bridge was prepared a few months ago,there were 60 trees that were to be chopped off before construction could start. Amidst opposition from environmentalists,the trees were recently chopped off. The stretch of road has been closed till December. In one part of the stretch,there are underground electricity cables that need to be shifted. This would cost the Municipal Corporation around Rs 1 crore that would be paid to the electricity department. There was opposition from one section of the traders as well about the construction of the overbridge. These traders claimed that it would affect their business. Chief engineer S S Bida,SE (B&R) Mukesh Anand,SE (public health) R C Diwan also went to the site.
