SHILLONG, February 03: The Deputy Chief Minister of Meghalaya and also incharge of PWD (Roads), Prestone Tynsong said that the Government has laid down restrictions to prohibit the plying of heavy vehicles across the Umïam bridge, and informed that this was done after a thorough examination of the condition of the bridge was undertaken due to its old and deteriorating state.
He said that the Government in order the reduce the load pressure on the Umïam bridge has sought several means to create alternative roadways for vehicles and one of the solutions is the Western Bypass road which upon completion will be of great benefit as many vehicles will no longer be required to pass through the Umïam bridge and thus reducing the load pressure on it.
On being asked, Tynsong informed that the progress to construct the Western Bypass road from Lad Mawmaram to Mawlyndep is stuck in the land procurement stage with directions already being given to the Deputy Commissioners of East Khasi Hills and Ri-Bhoi District to begin the process of land procurement.