Jammu-Srinagar remained closed for third day on Wednesday after retaining wall of a key bridge collapsed at Ramban even as BRO has started construction of a Bailey bridge to restore the traffic on the thoroughfare, the only surface link connecting Kashmir Valley with the rest of the world.
Officials ,said that the highway shall remain closed for “next few days” due to sudden collapse of the retaining wall of the bridge near Kela Morh, Ramban.
“Repairing work is going on. However, Jammu-Doda-Kishtwar, Jammu-Ramban, Gool Sangaldan, Magerkot- Banihal, and Banihal-Qazigund stretches are through for local traffic,” they said, adding, "People are requested to take their journey accordingly.”
The 260-kilomter thoroughfare has been closed since 6:20 p.m. on January 10 after the retaining wall of key bridge collapsed. There is no optional carriageway available nearby.
“In the interim, to restore connectivity, the construction of a Bailey bridge has been started by BRO,” they said. A Bailey bridge is a portable, pre-fabricated and truss viaduct usually built for military purposed.
Sources said that hundreds of vehicles are stranded around the damaged spot.
Mughal road, connecting Shopian and Poonch districts, also remained closed. Srinagar-Leh highway has been officially closed on the orders by Divisional Commissioner Kashmir on December 30.