SHILLONG, Aug 6: Deputy Chief Minister in-charge PWD Prestone Tynsong on Friday informed that a survey will soon take place for construction of a new bridge over Umiam River.

Tynsong told reporters that the department had already engaged a consultant for construction of a new bridge, which will be a permanent solution to the concerns about the safety of the existing Umiam bridge, where carrying capacity of heavy vehicles plying through it has been restricted at present.

“The consultant is on the job and a survey will take place very soon. He will work it out and then he will submit the detailed project report (DPR) to us and we will push for sanction of this particular project,” he said.

According to him, the department has identified the location for construction of the new bridge which is downstream of the existing bridge.

On the status of the Shillong-Western bypass, Tynsong informed that the Deputy Commissioners of Ri Bhoi and East Khasi Hills district are on the job to notify the land acquisition process.

“We left the responsibility to the Deputy Commission to do the needful,” he said.

Referring to the dilapidated condition of Shillong to Jowai road, the deputy chief minister said the damage starts from Mawryngkneng onwards and assured to take up repairing work on priority basis once the monsoon is over.

“We will make sure during the winter season this road is completely improved,” he said.