Traffic congestion lessened considerably at Vyttila on Friday, as the PWD (NH Wing) commenced repair work on the severely-potholed junction and service roads and paved a 250-square-metre area using concrete paver blocks.
Another 1,750-square metre area at the junction and service roads too will be paved using paver blocks, as directed by PWD Principal Secretary Kamala Vardhana Rao, said an official associated with flyover and road repair work at Vyttila.
Mr. Rao had visited the junction a week ago after the PWD drew much flak for not filling potholes and not carrying out preparatory work prior to barricading the junction for the flyover construction.
Ahead of laying concrete blocks, the damaged portions of the tarred surface were scooped out. This was followed by levelling work using wet mix macadam and granular sub base. The tiles were paved over that.
Work on to raise service road
In the meantime, work has begun to raise the service road on the Aroor side to the level of NH Bypass to streamline vehicle movement. A 110-metre-long portion has been raised so far. The drain here will be relocated to the western end, and ramps will be readied near shops and byroads in the area. Electric posts too will be relocated to help motorists and pedestrians, the official added.
The repair work will be followed by the construction of two-lane slip roads on either (western and eastern) side of the junction, abutting service roads, on the Palarivattom side. Piling will begin here after that, he said.
On the steps being taken to ensure the safety of pedestrians crossing the busy junction, the official said traffic wardens would be posted.
Damaged underpass
In the meantime, C.S. Shine, the councillor representing Vyttila division, has sought steps to resurface the potholed Vyttila underpass, through which buses and other heavy vehicles are being diverted.
“A few volunteers managed to fill several potholes in the past couple of days since they had been slowing down vehicles. The PWD must ensure a safe underpass for motorists and pedestrians,” he said.
