Bhubaneswar: The project to widen the busy Jayadev Vihar-Nandankanan road in Bhubaneswar has moved into the next phase, with geotechnical soil testing set to begin on Thursday for the proposed flyover and road expansion works.

In the first phase, soil investigations will be carried out at five locations, including near Gates 7 and 8 of Kalinga Stadium, Pal Heights Square, Kalinga Hospital Square, Damana Square, and KIIT Square. Preliminary work has already started near Kalinga Hospital Square, where workers from the executing agency have begun excavation ahead of the detailed soil investigation.

Soil testing will eventually be conducted at 180 locations along the project corridor. The exercise is considered crucial for determining the strength and load-bearing capacity of the soil before construction of the flyovers begins.

According to officials, boreholes measuring 10 to 15 feet deep will be drilled to assess soil quality at different depths. Engineers will examine the characteristics of the soil at every metre to determine its suitability for the proposed structures. The entire soil investigation process is expected to take two to three months, after which the project's structural design will be finalised based on the findings.

Traffic movement on the busy corridor is likely to be affected for nearly one and a half months. Heavy congestion is expected, particularly at Xavier Square and Damana Square. Commuters have been advised to avoid the stretch whenever possible and use alternative routes to minimise delays.

₹579 crore road expansion project

The Jayadev Vihar-Nandankanan road is being upgraded to ease traffic congestion on one of Bhubaneswar's busiest corridors. The ₹579-crore project is scheduled for completion within two years.

Under the plan, the 9.5-km stretch from Kalinga Stadium Gate No. 4 to the Raghunathpur Bridge will be widened from six lanes to eight lanes, with dedicated service roads on both sides.

The project also includes the construction of:

• A four-lane cable-stayed bridge over the existing NH-16 flyover at Jayadev Vihar.

• Separate four-lane flyovers at Kalinga Hospital Square, Damana Square, KIIT Square and Kalarahanga Square.

• Minor bridges and cross-drainage structures.

• An eight-lane roadway comprising four lanes on the flyovers and four lanes at ground level.

In addition, the project will provide improved drainage, 5.5-metre-wide service roads, 7.5-metre-wide slip roads, upgraded junctions, road beautification, lane markings, enhanced road safety measures, parking bays, bridge lighting and extensive plantation along the corridor.