The initial pile load test being carried out for construction of a new bridge across the Cauvery river in Tiruchi. | Photo Credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT The pile load tests conducted by Tiruchi Regional Lab of Highways Research Station are likely to go on till February 8 | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement Construction of a new bridge across the Cauvery, connecting Srirangam and Tiruchi, is set to gain momentum over the next few days as the State Highways department began conducting an initial pile load test on Thursday. The test would assess the bearing capacity of the pile for the “ultimate load.” According to sources in the department, the tests conducted by Tiruchi Regional Lab of Highways Research Station would go on till February 8. The loading process began on Thursday and a team of officials were observing the results. About 120 piles would have to be erected for the new bridge, which would have 16 spans. If the pile load test results were found to be satisfactory, the bridge construction was expected to get under …