Lalbaug flyover develops crack, halts traffic

The Lalbaug flyover was on Monday closed to vehicles for about three hours, after the expansion joints of the flyover developed a wide crack and repairs had to be undertaken for it.

This is the second time that a wide crack has appeared on the flyover, connecting South Mumbai to the suburbs. In November 2016, a similar crack was reported.

Commuters travelling to or from South Mumbai had a harrowing time on Monday morning. However, authorities swung into action after a crack in the flyover joints was reported in the morning. The south-bound lane of the flyover was immediately shut. According to civic officials, the rubber seal between the expansion joints developed a wide gap.

Traffic officials also reached the spot and diverted vehicles to decongest the flyover.

"Repair on the flyover began at around 7 am. We finished repair work at 9.30 pm, after which both lanes were opened for light motor vehicles (LMV)," said a civic official. In 2014, the MMRDA had constructed the bridge with a budget of Rs 140 crore.