Work on the Perambur flyover is almost over and is expected to be opened for traffic by the end of this month.
The flyover is likely to be opened after the Pennagaram elections, which is scheduled for March 27, Mayor M. Subramanian told The Hindu . The painting work, laying of bituminous tar and installation of lights, including two high-mast lamps, have been completed on the three arms of the 1120-m-long flyover. On the railway portion the concrete work has been completed, he added.
“The flyover had been a challenge for the Corporation but with the able guidance of Deputy Chief Minister M. K. Stalin, the civic body's Bridges Department and contractor were able to complete it,” he added.
The work order for the bridge was issued on May 7, 2008 and the period of construction was supposed to be 20 months. The work is expected to be completed this weekend.
Open foundation with very large footings has been used to ensure stability of the flyover. There are 76 lamp-posts on the flyover, which has been constructed at a total cost of Rs.51 crore. Shifting of water lines alone costs the Chennai Corporation Rs.3.50 crore and Rs.7.50 crore went towards land acquisition.
Officials said that two new roads are being formed — a loop road from the Jamalia side to Ayanavaram — which is 350-m-long and 12 m wide. On the north side, Tank Bund Road and Perambur High Road are being connected with a 120-m-long and 15-m-wide road. Footpaths have been provided on all roads around the flyover.
On the traffic arrangements, a senior official of the civic body said that once the flyover was inaugurated, a clover leaf pattern would be put in place for traffic movement. “After studying the traffic we have also created extra road space. Signages would be placed for the benefits of the motorists,” he said.
The bridge has three segments — the arm towards Jamalia has a single lane; the Ayanavaram side has three lanes (two lanes go up and one lane comes down); and on the Perambur side there are four lanes (two each for traffic moving on either sides).
