Although adequate land is to be acquired for setting up a traffic island at the tri-junction of the Tiruchi-Lalgudi-Pullampadi cross-road in Lalgudi town, the Highways Department has initiated work on the island, pinning hopes on prompt action for getting land for the smooth setting up of the traffic island in the area.
Setting up a traffic island is most needed for regulating traffic in Lalgudi. The objective of constructing the bridge would be achieved only through the traffic island. Location of the bus stand at a stone’s throw distance necessitates operation of a number of city and mofussil buses in the area linking Lalgudi. In the absence of the traffic island, the bridge has not yet been thrown open to heavy vehicles.
According to sources, the traffic island will be 15 metres in diameter and will be set up on the lines of the one at the Number One Toll Gate in Tiruchi city.
“A larger traffic island is needed as a large volume of heavy vehicles including the cement-laden trucks from Ariyalur and Dalmiapuram will pass through Lalgudi town,” say the source.
According to an estimate, at least 30 shops in the vicinity needed to be acquired immediately for setting up the traffic island. Sources said action would be taken only after the elections are over.
Work on the bridge was completed in October last and was thrown open to light vehicles..
Anticipating prompt acquisition of land, particularly shops and commercial complex belonging to the Sri Saptharisheeswarar temple for setting up the traffic island, the Highways Department have now taken up the work. A life-size statue of Mahatma Gandhi along with its pedestal had been cleared to start with.
The Highways Department has completed the work on setting up the service road on either sides of the bridge.
