Arrival of world-class roads in the city just received a boost, with the Chennai Corporation set to begin the tender process for their construction.
Ashok Nagar 1 Avenue, 11 Avenue, 4 Avenue and Dr. Ambedkar Salai were selected a few months ago for upgradation to international standards. However, the preparation of estimates for the project was delayed due to a number of complications.
On Monday, Corporation Commissioner D. Karthikeyan said preparation of estimates would be completed next week. The tendering process will commence shortly after that.
At a review meeting held in Ripon Buildings on Monday, Corporation officials were asked to speed up work on the major project.
The four roads are part of 30 stretches identified for an upgrade in congested areas. The other 26 roads will be covered in the next phase.
Mayor Saidai S. Duraisamy also stressed the need for the identification of 30 more stretches in the city for development into world-class roads next year.
The project envisages the attraction of a large number of pedestrians to the four avenue roads in Ashok Nagar after they have been developed.
Modifications will include wide footpaths, street furniture, bus shelters and more trees, to offer an improved motoring experience.
The consultant of the project has also suggested other modifications on the four roads that run to a length of 3 km. Within the limits of the existing width in most stretches, cycle paths will also be created.
The carriageway will have medians and will be more pedestrian-friendly.
Varieties of trees that are indigenous are also being chosen for plantation in an aesthetic pattern. The footpath will be six inches high throughout the streets.
Encroachments on these roads will be removed before commencement of the work.
“Such detailed features for roads are being put in place for the first time in any urban area in the country. So the civic body wanted to be careful,” said Raj Cherubal of non-governmental organisation CityConnect, which helps improve the city’s traffic and transportation.
Coordination meetings with other departments will be held this week to ensure that all utilities on the earmarked roads are shifted.
The preparation of estimates for the 26 other roads will also start soon.
