NAVI MUMBAI, Nov. 15 -- The old Khopta bridge in Uran has reopened for traffic after remaining shut for nearly a year, restoring a crucial road link serving the Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority, Dronagiri Industrial Area and surrounding container yards. The reopening is expected to ease congestion on the adjoining bridge, which has been handling the diverted traffic since the old structure was closed in November 2025. The 240-metre-long bridge, which underwent a Rs.10-crore structural restoration, is now open to light vehicles and commercial vehicles weighing up to 16 tonnes. Its reopening also improves connectivity for commuters and residents of 25 villages in Uran's eastern belt. Constructed in 1990 during the tenure of then chief minister A R Antulay, the 7.5-metre-wide bridge was originally designed for light vehicles and local passengers. However, the expansion of port and industrial activities over the years brought increasing commercial traffic onto the structure. The resulting stress led to structural deterioration, with inspections revealing cracks in internal portions and damage to bearings, eventually prompting its closure in November 2025. The closure forced additional traffic onto the adjoining bridge, increasing congestion for residents, industrial workers and transporters. The restoration is therefore significant for Uran's port-led logistics network, where container movement and industrial activity have steadily increased. The public works department (PWD) began restoration in December 2025 with an initial administrative approval of Rs.5 crore and technical approval of Rs.4.60 crore. The work was initially expected to be completed within three months. However, engineers found that the internal portions required more extensive intervention than anticipated, leading to an additional Rs.5 crore being made available and taking the overall funding to Rs.10 crore. The technically challenging work involved strengthening all five spans, replacing four central hinge bearings and eight roller rocker bearings, installing new expansion joints and reconstructing the deck slab. Since the original bearings were no longer commercially available, replacements had to be specially manufactured. Engineers also created separate access arrangements to reach the underside of the bridge, as the original structure lacked adequate access provisions between its spans. Damaged portions were treated through groove cutting and epoxy grouting, while carbon laminates and fibre wrapping were used to reinforce the structure. New railings were also installed. The restoration has also highlighted the larger infrastructure challenge facing Uran. According to PWD officials, the existing bridge infrastructure handles around 7,500 vehicles daily, with traffic projected to exceed 15,000 as port-related and industrial activities expand. The department has consequently highlighted the need for a new six-lane cable-stayed bridge, on the lines of the Bandra-Worli Sea Link, to accommodate future traffic....