Kollidam Bridge-Evergreen Memories.....

The steel girder bridge built across Coleroon (Kollidam) river is one of Trichy's historical landmarks.This bridge is one among the structures constructed during the British era.It was built in the year 1924 as a replacement for the brick-arched structure that had been washed away in the floods of that time.

This 794 meters long bridge with 24 spans has managed the traffics  till the year 2016.It connects the mainland of  Trichy (No.1.Tollgate) and the temple land Srirangam. Considering the weakness of the bridge heavy vehicles were restricted to use this bridge.Apart from all these usual scenario of bridges,this one has more beautiful incidents to be recalled.

This 94 years old structure was collapsed and two piers of it were washed away by the streams of Coleroon river in the early hours of August 19.Though it was washed away by the streams,it is still  in the memories of the people in the neighboring areas. For  people in hot climate area like Trichy,places like this bridge serves a cool breeze in evening hours.

Everyday sunrise and sunset was welcomed by the cyclists and peoples jogging in this bridge.During the evening hours it is such an amazing place where one travelling in this bridge can witness friends gang of all age groups,families and couples enjoying the chill breeze of Coleroon river.For all these years this bridge has attracted the tourists for its sheer engineering ingenuity.

The above snap shows both the old and new Kollidam bridge along with the Srirangam temple.Since the year 2016 vehicles were restricted to use the old bridge.It was only used by the cyclists and as a jogging track. The new bridge with amazing design has attracted the people a lot,but the old steel bridge will hold its place in the hearts and memories of the people forever.

By:
Devadharshini.