Work on two grade separators on Anna Salai will begin soon with the State government directing the Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority to release Rs.100 crore towards the first phase of construction.
The money is to be released in instalments depending on the requirement of the Highways Department, which will be implementing the project. The four-lane grade separators are expected to ease traffic congestion on the arterial road. The piling works would be completed by March 2011 to facilitate commencement of Metro Rail work. The remaining work on the facilities would commence only three years later on completion of the Metro Rail project on the stretch, sources in CMDA said.
The CMDA will utilise the funds collected under the infrastructure and amenities charges in the Chennai Metropolitan Area for the two proposed facilities.
One of the grade separators will be 1.9-km-long from P.Orr & Sons showroom, opposite the new Assembly complex, to Popat Jamal, opposite Spencer Plaza.
The other facility would be 2.9-km-long from Vaanavil showroom in Teynampet to the junction of CIT Nagar First Main Road near Saidapet.
The decision to construct grade separators at a cost of Rs.500 crore utilising the resources of the CMDA was announced in the 2010-2011 budget. The proposal is based on the recommendations of a comprehensive study conducted by the CMDA on the transport scenario in the Chennai Metropolitan Area.
