Siliguri Metropolitan Police halted movement of two-wheelers on the Balason river bridge here from Friday as the work to install a Bailey bridge started on the site.

“From Friday morning, even two-wheelers are not allowed on the bridge. This is because work has started to set up the Bailey bridge. The bridge is likely to be ready by the first week of December. Till then, only pedestrians can use the bridge by walking on the footpath. They should however, maintain discipline as work is in progress,” said a senior police officer.

Since October 20, traffic on the bridge on NH31 was stopped after one of its pillars tilted and a part of its concrete plank sank under the impact of the swollen Balason river following downpour. Only two-wheelers and pedestrians were allowed. The rest had to take long detours to and fro Siliguri. Now, two-wheelers will also have to take detours.

With Balason bridge off bounds, the stretch of Asian Highway II which moves through northwest of Siliguri and connects Naukaghat on southern end of the city has become the principal entry and exit route.

“There is traffic congestion along the stretch as all vehicles are moving on this route. The detour has also increased travelling expenses as commuters have to cover extra distances and fuel prices are already high. Till Thursday, we could cross Balason on bike but from now even that option is not there,” said Tanmoy Goswami, an IT professional.

The halt in movement along the bridge has also led to diversion of traffic movement, causing severe congestions in principal roads and crossings of the city. Earlier, most of the traffic used to move through northern parts of Siliguri but now, the vehicles are moving through the southern end.

Police, asked on the issue, said traffic movement across the city was under CCTV surveillance and they were taking necessary steps as and when required to prevent snarls.

“If we notice excess flow of vehicles through one area, we are diverting traffic through other roads to reduce congestion. Our men are working in all the traffic guards of the city and taking prompt steps,” a policeman said.