New Bridge Over Penna in Nellore Set to Open, Bringing Major Relief
A new bridge over the Penna River in Nellore, costing Rs 68.67 crore, is set to open within two weeks. The project aims to significantly reduce traffic congestion on NH-67 and improve connectivity for thousands of daily commuters in the region.
Highlights
- •A new bridge over the Penna River in Nellore is set to open within two weeks, easing long-standing traffic issues.
- •The project, costing Rs 68.67 crore, reaches 98.6 percent completion, featuring a 741.5-meter major bridge.
- •The new crossing will reduce travel distance for commuters from NH-16 by nearly six kilometers.
- •The bridge acts as the fourth crossing over the river, supporting city expansion and regional logistics.
Residents and commuters in Nellore will soon see a major improvement in local travel, as a brand-new bridge over the Penna River is scheduled to open for public traffic within the next two weeks. This vital infrastructure project on National Highway-67 aims to alleviate the chronic traffic congestion that has plagued the city for decades.
Improving Infrastructure and Connectivity
The upcoming launch of the Penna River bridge marks a significant milestone for Nellore. Currently, the city's growing volume of vehicles is forced to traverse a single two-lane bridge, which was originally constructed back in 1953. This outdated structure has become a bottleneck, leading to severe delays during peak travel times. The new construction, situated parallel to the historic crossing, is set to drastically enhance traffic flow and better connect the northern and southern districts of the city.
The project serves as a critical entry point for traffic arriving from the busy Chennai-Kolkata highway corridor. By allowing motorists traveling from NH-16 to enter the city via Padugupadu and the new crossing, the commute will be shortened by approximately six kilometers. Furthermore, this route helps drivers bypass some of the most heavily congested sections of Nellore, promising a smoother daily transit experience for thousands.
Project Progress and Future Impact
The infrastructure project, which was built with an investment of Rs 68.67 crore, is currently 98.6 percent complete. The massive undertaking covers a total length of 2.68 kilometers and includes the construction of a 741.5-meter major bridge and a 43.5-meter minor bridge, alongside essential approach roads, service lanes, pedestrian infrastructure, and drainage systems. Officials confirmed that critical structural elements such as the 128 piles, 32 piers, 132 girders, and 33 deck slabs have all been successfully installed.
While the project is nearly ready, there are minor legal hurdles still under review, including a court stay involving an IOCL petrol bunk and a lingering case concerning a 100-meter stretch of service road at Venkateswarapuram. Despite these small challenges, authorities are moving forward with the opening.
Once operational, this will be the fourth crossing over the Penna River, joining the historic 1953 bridge, the NH-16 bridge, and the Ranganayakulapeta barrage. Beyond simply resolving traffic issues, this development is expected to stimulate local economic growth, streamline regional logistics, and provide the necessary support for the ongoing urban expansion of Nellore.
