Bridge work on Poonamallee High Road at snail’s pace

Officials say that they almost removed all encroachment and works will be completed in a couple of months. Sources said, after two flyovers were thrown open for traffic at the Anna Arch intersection, the traffic congestion considerably reduced in the stretch. 

However, the State Highways (SH) planned to construct a 60-meter bridge with 14-meter width near Aminjikarai, opposite to Ampa Skywalk mall, as the volume of vehicles in this stretch had been on the rise. The necessity to construct the bridge was felt, as there was no pedestrian path and a number of shops encroached the area. 

Motorists complained that during peak hours, vehicles pile up in the stretch. “The Anna Arch flyovers in the intersection play a major role in reducing the traffic unlike previous years. If this such three-lane bridge facility is completed, it will be a boon motorists,” said Kannan, a motorist. He added that motorists already heaved a sigh of relief, as two flyovers were thrown open for traffic. 

A senior engineer of SH, Metro Wing, said “We will complete construction of bridge within a couple of months.” Asked about the delay, the engineer replied that they needed time to remove encroachments and in urban areas, it was not uncommon to take time to complete flyover and road bridge works. 

“While removing encroachments, owners of buildings approached the Court and we needed to get clearance certificates,” said another official. He added that 3-lane bridge would have three-meter pathway and it will serve as an approaching bridge and pave the way for reducing traffic.