The zebra-crossing beneath the new flyover at the intersection of Poonamallee High (PH) Road and Nelson Manikam Road in Choolaimedu (in front of Ampa Skywalk) has done little to help pedestrians cross the junction safely. For, motorists hardly stop at the zebra-crossing.
Pedestrians say there is no alternative to deploying traffic police personnel at the zebra crossing.
Prior to the opening of the flyover, which connects Nelson Manikam Road and Anna Arch, motorists were allowed to use a small lane from Nelson Manikam Road to reach PH Road and pedestrians also found it convenient to cross the intersection.
However, after the opening of the flyover a few months ago, motorists coming from Nelson Manikam Road were allowed to cross the intersection as it provides a short route.
During weekends, with the shopping mall registering a higher footfall, there is chaos at the junction.
“We have to run and cross the intersection as there is a continuous flow of traffic on Nelson Manikam Road. Even if we signal them to stop, motorists do not pay any heed to our request. Pedestrians have to come together as a group and stop these vehicles,” says S. Praveen Kumar, a resident of Choolaimedu. Though there is a police booth at the intersection, no policeman helps pedestrians cross the stretch, not even during rush hour. As the intersection is a narrow curve, it is not easy for motorists to notice pedestrians who are about to cross the stretch. Also, due to poor illumination, minor accidents occur at night. “We will take the necessary steps to ensure the safety of pedestrians at the intersection,” says a police official.
