The British-era Elphinstone bridge, a key arterial connector in Parel that was originally slated to be closed to traffic in February this year, will be shut from September 10. Top officials from the traffic department confirmed the decision to mid-day on late Monday evening, stating that the long-pending closure and demolition of the dilapidated structure has now been deemed unavoidable.

A senior traffic official said, “After much discussion, all departments concerned unanimously stated that closure and redevelopment of the bridge on an urgent basis are necessary, and that it needs to be demolished at the earliest. The bridge is in a severely dilapidated condition and poses safety risks.” The official clarified that the shutdown was deliberately scheduled to begin after Anant Chaturdashi, the final day of Ganesh idol immersion, to avoid chaos during the festival.

The Haaji Noorani building, which was earmarked for demolition as part of the Elphinstone Road bridge redevelopment project, in Parel