Weak Elephant Gate flyover chokes traffic in North Chennai

“Though officials are aware of the damage, they are not showing urgency in repairing the bridge. Further, traffic diversions in the vicinity add to our difficulty,” said a motorist. Members of civic body too complained against official apathy on this issue. 

Sources said that considering the damage, the traffic police personnel have closed all the roads leading to the weak bridge. They have been diverting the vehicles in all possible routes to avoid further damage to the bridge. As a result, traffic on many roads in Old Washermenpet, Tondaiyarpet, Central and Pallavan Road has been badly affected. 

“I regularly travel from Thiruvotriyur to Central. I wonder it took 20 to 25 minutes to reach the end of Wall Tax Road from Central. Earlier, it took just 10 minutes to cover the distance. Vehicles move at a snail’s pace on most of the interjections on the road, immensely inconveniencing the motorists,” said K Shanmuganathan, a MTC commuter. 

Despite, traffic police keeping a tight vigil, some motorists sneak through every available gap on the congested routes adding to commotion, he added.  

A traffic police personnel said that they have put up barricades in vulnerable points to prevent violations. “However, the only way forward is speeding up bridge works. The R K Nagar by-election is also adding to the woes as vehicles from various districts approach North Chennai,” he said. 

When contacted by DTNext , K S Kandasamy, Deputy Commissioner, Greater Chennai Corporation said, “We are aware of the issue and we have made some alternative arrangements on the Elephant Gate Road. However, the repairing works are being taken up by the railway department and we have asked them to speed up the works, considering the traffic troubles.”  He said, “a solution would be found soon."