(1) Where, in exercise of the powers under section 22, the State Government or an officer authorised by the State Government in this behalf deems it necessary in the interest of the safety of the highway to close the highway or part thereof, it may, by notification in the Odisha Gazette, give notice of its intention to the public to do so specifying therein the time within which the objections and suggestions received shall be considered under sub-section
(3) and in addition to such notice, it shall also notify the contents of such notice in at least two State level newspapers having wide circulation, one of which shall be in Odia language and another shall be the newspaper being circulated in such area.
(2) The notice issued under sub-section (1) shall indicate the alternative route proposed to be provided in lieu of the highway or part thereof intended to be closed specifying therein as to whether such alternative route shall be an already existing highway or shall be newly constructed and shall also invite objections and suggestions from the persons affected on such proposal within the time and to be addressed to the officer as specified in such notice.
(3) The State Government or the officer authorised by the State Government in this behalf shall, after considering the objections and suggestions, if any, received within the time specified in such notice, take a decision on the proposal for closure and shall act in accordance with such decision.
Permanent closure of highway.
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26. If the State Government or an officer authorised by the State Government in this behalf is satisfied that it is necessary in the interest of public safety or convenience, or because of the nature of any road or bridge so to do, it may, by notification prohibit or restrict, subject to such exceptions or conditions as may be specified in the notification, the use of any highway or part thereof by a class or classes of traffic either generally or on specified occasion or time as specified in the notification and when such prohibition or restriction is imposed, the State Government or such officer shall cause such traffic signs to be placed or erected at suitable places for the convenience of the traffic as may be prescribed:
Provided that where any prohibition or restriction under this section is to be retained for a period of one month or less, such prohibition or restriction may be imposed without issuing notification in the Odisha Gazette:
Provided further that the prohibition or restriction imposed under the first proviso shall be published widely for the knowledge of the users by other possible means.