The Barasat flyover, a crucial connector between Jessore Road and NH12, will be closed to traffic on Saturdays and Sundays from December 6 for the next four months.

The closure is necessary for urgent maintenance work as recommended by public works department (PWD) engineers during a recent structural health check.

Exemptions have been granted for the days coinciding with the Madhyamik and higher secondary examinations, which might extend the closure period.

However, residents fear the partial closure could cause significant traffic congestion between the airport at Dumdum and Barasat on NH12 because of the traffic diversion.

The decision on the renovation was taken unanimously during an administrative meeting attended by senior officials of the North 24-Parganas district administration, the PWD, and the Barasat municipality on Thursday.

The traffic diversion plans were finalised at the meeting held at the Doltala police line in Madhyamgram. Representatives of law enforcement, civic bodies and transport unions were also present.

The flyover, which connects the Champadali intersection to Colony More and passes over rail gate number 12 near Barasat railway station, rests on 32 pillars. Engineers will examine and replace the bearings on the pillars wherever required.

To manage the traffic disruption, the authorities have decided to divert vehicles in different directions during the renovation. Buses on Barrackpore, Jagulia and Naihati routes will be diverted via Helabattala in Barasat.

At the same time, trucks will be redirected from the Kanchkal intersection on Taki Road and towards Champadali More via Dak Bungalow More. Vehicles plying on Jessore Road will be rerouted from Building More in Ashoknagar. At the same time, trucks from the airport will take the Sodepur Road.

Additionally, hawkers operating under the flyover have been asked to shift temporarily to facilitate the work.

Speaking about the changes in the traffic, Barasat deputy superintendent of police (DSP) Alok Ranjan Munshi announced that an awareness drive would be launched in the public interest to avoid harassment of the commuters. “Police will distribute leaflets to make drivers and the public aware of the changes in the route. At the same time, regular announcements will be made ahead of the stretch using public address systems,” the DSP said.

PWD’s executive engineer for the Barasat division, Pratap Purkait, said: “The flyover’s condition requires immediate attention. Starting December 6, traffic on weekends will be restricted to complete the work.”

Barasat municipality chairman Asani Mukhopadhyay said the flyover bore a significant volume of daily traffic, which took a toll on its structural health. “While we aim to complete the project in four months, the timeline might be extended slightly because of examination schedules. We seek public cooperation for the successful and timely completion of the project,” said Mukhopadhyay.