Pune: The Kakasaheb Gadgil bridge, popularly known as the Z-bridge, in the Deccan Gymkhana area will remain closed to vehicular traffic during night hours (11 pm to 7am) for the next one month to facilitate repair work.The bridge, which primarily serves two-wheeler commuters travelling between Deccan Gymkhana and the Peth areas, is undergoing bearing replacement by Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC)’s projects department. Considering the heavy traffic flow in the area, the traffic police have permitted the repair work only during night hours to minimise congestion.During the nighttime closure, commuters are advised to use Lakdi bridge or the Baba Bhide causeway as alternate routes. PMC officials clarified that barricades will be removed every morning, allowing the bridge to remain open for traffic during the day.According to PMC officials, the Z-bridge is one of 17 bridges across the city that have been identified for repair and strengthening. While the structural integrity of these bridges is reported to be safe, expert inspections have recommended repairs, including replacement of expansion joints and bearings.Regular users of the bridge have urged the administration to install proper signboards indicating alternate routes to guide nighttime commuters.Meanwhile, PMC has called upon Maha Metro to expedite the completion of the foot overbridge being constructed above the Baba Bhide causeway. Maha Metro has barricaded both sides of the causeway for the ongoing work. Officials said the foot overbridge was expected to be completed by June-end.
