Pune: The Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC) has started installing specialised wind barriers on the cable-stayed bridge of the Mumbai-Pune Expressway’s Missing Link (now new link) to safeguard motorists from strong crosswinds, especially during the monsoon and other extreme weather conditions.Officials said the barriers were being set up on the 650-metre-long cable-stayed bridge spanning Tiger Valley, a crucial part of the 13.3km corridor that was opened to traffic on May 1.MSRDC joint managing director Rajesh Patil told TOI, “The bridge’s height and location make it particularly susceptible to high-speed winds, making additional safety measures necessary. Wind barriers are being installed near the four pylons, with screen heights ranging from 2.7 metres to 0.6 metres. Each barrier stretches 30 metres on either side of the pylons. The work is expected to get over by next week.”The bridge, supported by 182-metre-high pylons, is highly exposed due to its position above a deep valley, where wind speeds can rise sharply during adverse weather. The officials said such conditions could lead to lateral movement of vehicles, especially smaller ones. “During periods of strong winds, particularly ahead of and during the monsoon, vehicles may experience sideways displacement. These barriers are designed to reduce wind impact and enhance vehicle stability,” Patil said.He clarified that the wind barriers were included in the original design, but were not added after the corridor was opened. “The bridge has been engineered for a 100-year service life, with all necessary safety measures incorporated to account for future weather conditions,” Patil said, adding that tenders had been floated to enhance telecom connectivity inside the Missing Link tunnels. “We are in discussions with service providers to ensure better network connectivity within the tunnels,” he said.
