CHENNAI: It might take another three months to complete the first arm of the Velachery double- decker flyover.
The state highways department, which recently completed construction of all 16 deck slabs, has started coat work, which protects the concrete of the deck from damage caused by vehicles. The total length of this arm is 640m, according to official data.
Highway officials said work on the ramp connecting Tambaram High Road with the Velachery Bypass Road is expected to start next month and underground utilities (electric cables) and lights will be provided subsequently.
While authorities are optimistic that the flyover arm will be ready by July and traffic conditions will improve, Velachery residents say they are doubtful about this deadline because the department is yet to clear encroachments Construction of this flyover at Rs 93.5 crore began in 2016 and got delayed due to court cases.
S Kumaraja from Annai Indra Nagar Residents’ Welfare Association in Velachery said, “Neither the second arm, which was opened for public use last year, nor the first arm, which is under construction, support two-way traffic. So, it is not going to solve the traffic problem at Vijaya Nagar junction”. Another concern is the closing of gaps along the median on Tambaram High Road. “There are two schools on Ram Nagar and Vijaya Nagar side. Parents, have to travel at least 2km extra now,” said P Kannan of Ram Nagar.