Traffic will be restricted on the Zuari bridge, a vital link between north and south Goa [Images], as it has developed a crack, Chief Minister Pratapsingh Rane said on Tuesday.

"The bridge has developed a crack and we are not going to take any chances. Vehicular movement will be immediately restricted on the bridge. Only light motor vehicles will be allowed to ply," Rane told PTI.

The government alerted the concerned departments and the chief minister held an emergency meeting with Public Works Department Minister Ramkrishna Dhavlikar and other officials to ensure the bridge was speedily repaired.

The 23-year-old bridge situated on the Margao-Panaji National Highway, 15 km from Panaji, had developed similar cracks four years ago and its pre-stressing was done.

"This time, we have held consultations with the engineers of IIT-Bombay who will study the condition of the bridge," Rane said.

He said the movement of even light motor vehicles will be stopped once the repair of the bridge starts.

"Alternative arrangements like ferry boat services will be provided to people," he said.

Public Works Department officials confirmed the bridge had developed a crack between its pole six and seven and said pre-stressing was done in 2002 to increase the bridge's weight capacity.