The Highways Department is conducting soil tests for the construction of a flyover at the junction of Kaliamman Koil Street and Jawaharlal Nehru Salai in Koyambedu.
The tests, at 10 points on either side of Jawaharlal Nehru Salai, are part of a geo-technical investigation for the 1.09 km-long structure. They will help determine at what depth and size, the foundation of the flyover should be laid.
Each later of soil will be tested for its load-carrying capacity. So far, samples at depths of up to 35 metres have been carried out, and the soil seen is clay.
These tests are the first step in the construction of the flyover.
Once the tests have been completed, the design of the flyover and an estimate of its cost will be made. This will be followed by calling of tenders for a contractor and award of contract, after which work will begin.
A small amount of land will need to be acquired for the construction, officials said. Shifting of utility lines will also be taken up. A high-tension overhead line in the area will either be moved or its height increased, officials added.
The flyover will stretch across the traffic signal on Jawaharlal Nehru Salai taking off near the State Election Commission. It will allow traffic flow from the Anna Nagar and Vadapalani sides, and will help reduce traffic on the road below. Two pedestrian subways will be constructed for pedestrians proceeding to Chennai Moffusil Bus Terminus and to Kaliamman Koil Street.
Residents in the area said the flyover was needed urgently. “This junction is also an important link to those proceeding to the north, south and west of Chennai. Evenings on weekends are really bad with endless traffic jams,” said Hema Krishnan, a resident of Brindavan Nagar in Koyambedu.
