BMC plans ambitious WEH Elevated Corridor with cable-stayed bridges

15 Jun 2023 CW Team

The estimated cost of the WEH elevated corridor project is approximately Rs 55 billion. It involves the construction of elevated corridors spanning a distance of 15.3 kilometers, while the total length of the highway is approximately 25 kilometers. The elevated section will comprise three to four single-pier cable-stayed bridges, which will be connected to underpasses at various junctions.

To implement this project, the BMC will need to dismantle several existing flyovers to make room for the cable-stayed bridges. This will not only create additional lanes beneath the bridges but also free up space below them. The WEH elevated corridor is expected to take around four years to complete, with tendering commencing after the preparation of a detailed project report and government approval. The BMC anticipates finalising the DPR within the next five to six months.

The project aims to increase the number of lanes on both carriageways to 14 or 16, including lanes beneath the bridges. Underpasses will be constructed at key junctions like Kala Nagar, JVLR, and Aarey to ensure smooth movement of vehicles transitioning from arterial roads to the highway, minimising disruptions. The concept plan for the elevated corridor was developed by a consultant following a techno-economic feasibility study, which considered future traffic projections and incorporated pedestrian-friendly amenities.

According to the study, the current highway consists of five lanes in each direction, with service roads accounting for approximately 50 per cent of the total length. However, the highway experiences significant traffic volume, ranging from 220,000 to 380,000 passenger car units per day, with peak volumes exceeding 10,000 PCU at multiple junctions, resulting in severe congestion.

The proposed concept design outlines a 15.3-kilometer elevated corridor between Mahim and Malad, divided into three to four sections featuring long single-pier cable-stayed bridges. Each flyover is expected to span two to three junctions. Presently, the express highway has six lanes on both carriageways of the bridges and four lanes on adjacent slip roads, making it a total of 10 lanes. The concept design suggests eight lanes on the bridges and either six or eight lanes on the road beneath and adjoining the bridges, bringing the total number of lanes to 14 or 16 on both carriageways. Traffic barriers will be installed to segregate traffic between these lengthy flyovers. To address cross-directional traffic issues, underpasses will be constructed at various junctions and bottlenecks. However, the concept design is subject to change based on the detailed project report.

Officials estimate that the implementation of the WEH elevated corridor project will take approximately four years, following a sequential construction methodology to minimise disruptions to traffic. The upgraded corridor is expected to include pedestrian facilities such as wider sidewalks and landscaped median spaces, providing a more pedestrian-friendly environment.

In order to alleviate the chronic congestion on the Western Express Highway (WEH) and facilitate smooth vehicular movement from Mahim to Dahisar, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) is proposing the construction of an elevated corridor using cable-stayed bridges. This ambitious project, directed by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, aims to enhance access control and improve traffic flow along the route.The estimated cost of the WEH elevated corridor project is approximately Rs 55 billion. It involves the construction of elevated corridors spanning a distance of 15.3 kilometers, while the total length of the highway is approximately 25 kilometers. The elevated section will comprise three to four single-pier cable-stayed bridges, which will be connected to underpasses at various junctions.To implement this project, the BMC will need to dismantle several existing flyovers to make room for the cable-stayed bridges. This will not only create additional lanes beneath the bridges but also free up space below them. The WEH elevated corridor is expected to take around four years to complete, with tendering commencing after the preparation of a detailed project report and government approval. The BMC anticipates finalising the DPR within the next five to six months.The project aims to increase the number of lanes on both carriageways to 14 or 16, including lanes beneath the bridges. Underpasses will be constructed at key junctions like Kala Nagar, JVLR, and Aarey to ensure smooth movement of vehicles transitioning from arterial roads to the highway, minimising disruptions. The concept plan for the elevated corridor was developed by a consultant following a techno-economic feasibility study, which considered future traffic projections and incorporated pedestrian-friendly amenities. According to the study, the current highway consists of five lanes in each direction, with service roads accounting for approximately 50 per cent of the total length. However, the highway experiences significant traffic volume, ranging from 220,000 to 380,000 passenger car units per day, with peak volumes exceeding 10,000 PCU at multiple junctions, resulting in severe congestion.The proposed concept design outlines a 15.3-kilometer elevated corridor between Mahim and Malad, divided into three to four sections featuring long single-pier cable-stayed bridges. Each flyover is expected to span two to three junctions. Presently, the express highway has six lanes on both carriageways of the bridges and four lanes on adjacent slip roads, making it a total of 10 lanes. The concept design suggests eight lanes on the bridges and either six or eight lanes on the road beneath and adjoining the bridges, bringing the total number of lanes to 14 or 16 on both carriageways. Traffic barriers will be installed to segregate traffic between these lengthy flyovers. To address cross-directional traffic issues, underpasses will be constructed at various junctions and bottlenecks. However, the concept design is subject to change based on the detailed project report.Officials estimate that the implementation of the WEH elevated corridor project will take approximately four years, following a sequential construction methodology to minimise disruptions to traffic. The upgraded corridor is expected to include pedestrian facilities such as wider sidewalks and landscaped median spaces, providing a more pedestrian-friendly environment.