Bandipora, Aug 28: The Gurez administration has ordered the immediate closure of the 160-foot double-double reinforcement Bailey Bridge at Markoot after structural damage was detected, officials said.

According to an order issued by the Sub-Divisional Magistrate, Gurez, five pairs of upstream panels of the bridge at kilometre 81.375 were found bent and deformed.

In view of the damage, the administration has suspended the movement of all types of vehicles across the bridge with immediate effect.

The bridge will remain closed until a detailed technical inspection is completed and necessary repair work is carried out. Vehicular movement will resume only after a formal safety clearance is issued by the Board of Technical Officers.

Commuters and drivers have been advised to use alternative routes through Dawar Bridge or Wanpora Bridge during the closure.

The administration has appealed to the public to cooperate with the authorities while inspection, repair and restoration work is undertaken.

The closure has been ordered as a precautionary measure to ensure the safety of commuters following the detection of structural defects on the bridge.