Tiruchi Corporation has launched work on two bridges across the Uyyakondan canal to decongest city roads.

In 2023, the civic body, to ensure better connectivity and utilisation of open space, proposed building pedestrian and motorable bridges across the Uyyakondan canal passing through the city. Four more bridges were planned in the next phase.

The two bridges will be constructed utilising the Corporation’s General Funds 2024-25. A sum of ₹1.04 crore had been sanctioned for the pedestrian bridge, which will connect Uzhavar Sandhai at Thennur with the Anna Nagar link road near the District Court Complex. It will be 20 feet wide, providing access to the walking tracks. It was part of the initiative to encourage non-motorised transport and facilitate pedestrians and cyclists to cross the canal.

A sum of ₹1.25 crore had been sanctioned for the motorable bridge across the canal connecting Raja Colony with Bharathi Nagar near the Corporation park. The 30-ft wide bridge is expected to be ready within a year from the commencement of work.

It is aimed at reducing traffic congestion near the MGR Roundabout and Mahatma Gandhi Memorial Government Hospital, as motorists from Vayalur Road can take the bridge to reach the Railway Junction, Central Bus Stand, and nearby areas.

Over the past few decades, the canal has been facing extensive pollution, with sewage being let directly into it at about 32 points along the city stretch. Officials said the inflow of drainage would reduce once the properties on the banks are covered by the ongoing underground drainage project. Meanwhile, the civic body has taken steps to remove water hyacinths from the canal to ensure the free flow of water.