Work to construct the ₹47-crore Mattu Mandhai Road overbridge in Tiruvottiyur is likely to be completed by April end.
The 550-metre-long and 13.2-metre-wide bridge with a median, crash barrier and footpaths will allow thousands of workers in the Manali-Tiruvottiyur belt to cross the railway line without having to stop at the level crossing.
“Though the Railways is yet to complete its portion of the work, we have taken up work on the spans adjacent to their portion. Nearly 50 per cent of the work is over on one span. We have programmed our work in such a manner that we will finish it along with the Railways,” explained an official in the State Highways Department.
Work on one of the retaining walls of one approach has been going on for sometime as the Chennai Metrowater is not able to shift a water main running beneath it. “We have deposited the amount with them at least two years ago. They have now promised to cut water supply in that main and divert it,” the official said.
Theradi resident V. Rajkumar said the Government Order for the work was given in 2010, but work began only in 2014. “The delay has put local residents to untold hardships. The department could have at least laid the service lanes and installed lights so that those roads could be used safely. Now there is mud all around the bridge and construction material has piled up everywhere,” he said.
Highways officials said there was a delay in laying of service lanes owing to problems in shifting of service utilities. “We will take up laying of service lanes from Monday. On the bridge, the bituminous tar layer would be laid from March 25 after which painting and fixing of light fixtures will be taken up,” an official said.
