A couple of days after the Kodambakkam flyover was shut for vehicular traffic, chaos continued to reign on Monday when the flyover was closed only to heavy traffic.
The main problem was the inadequate number of signboards guiding them, said motorists.
“Motorists, who come from the streets and lanes in the residential areas near the flyover were surprised when they reached the service lanes as MTC buses are travelling in the opposite direction. This puts us at risk,” said K. Sekar, a motorist.
The new traffic diversions, which came into force on Saturday, are aimed at facilitating repair works on the flyover.
The 1967-built flyover is closed to heavy vehicles including Metropolitan Transport Corporation (MTC) buses and commercial vehicles between Monday and Friday. During those days, the vehicles have to take the service lanes beneath the flyover to reach T. Nagar and Nungambakkam via the Rangarajapuram and North Usman Road flyovers. During weekends, all vehicles have to ply the service lanes.
According to a police officer, at each point on the routes, at least four traffic police personnel have been deployed to direct motorists on the routes they have to take to reach T. Nagar and Nungambakkam. Besides, a team of MTC officials including ticket-checking inspectors have been posted at the new bus stops including the one on Railway Border Road near the railway station in Kodambakkam to guide MTC drivers on the new route.
Every day, on an average, at least 50 MTC buses use the service lanes beneath the flyover. The flyover is a crucial part of the route taken by buses coming from the Vadapalani, K.K. Nagar, Alandur and Iyyappathangal depots.
“Bus commuters find it difficult to be informed of the new bus stops that have come up along the changed traffic routes. Adequate signboards are needed to guide motorists and commuters,” said a checking inspector.
Corporation officials said they hoped the traffic flow would be more orderly by the end of the week.
Said to be one of the oldest in the city, the Kodambakkam flyover connects areas such as K.K. Nagar, Vadapalani, Ashok Nagar, Kodambakkam and Virugambakkam with T. Nagar, Nungambakkam and Mount Road.
