Motorists coming from Madurvoyal to reach Tirumangalam Junction using the Poonamallee High (PH) Road are often taken by surprise, when motorists burst on the scene suddenly, coming from beneath the multi-crore flyover in Koyambedu.
More out of ignorance than anything else, these drivers go beneath the flyover to take the service lane and in the process put other motorists at risk.
Every day, hundreds of motorists from Koyambedu, Vannurpet and Maduravoyal use the service lane on P.H. Road to reach Tirumangalam and other interior areas of Anna Nagar, ICF, Ayanavaram, Villivakkam, Aminjikarai, Kilpauk and Perambur. Most of the motorists using the service lane to reach Tirumangalam are petty traders, small businessmen and residents. Motorists from Maduravoyal prefer the service lane because it reduces the distance by around two kilometres. Earlier, motorists had to go till the SAF games village traffic point in Choolaimedu to take a ‘U’ turn to reach Tirumangalam junction. “With the traffic chaotic near the CMBT bus terminus in Koyembedu, many prefer the service lane to reach the interior areas in the western neighbourhood. However, the sudden entry by trespassers surprises us,” said K. Gowtham, a motorist from Vannagaram near Koyembedu.
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Pedestrians and other road users who use the narrow space beneath the flyover to reach the residential colony along the canal say the lack of pedestrian crossing near the flyover forces them to cross the service lane abruptly. However, the service lane remains dangerous for motorists especially at night as the stretch lack street lights. With a TASMAC outlet and a couple of eateries along the service lane, there is continuous movement of people. Further, residents who live along the canal also frequently cross the service lane using an approach road. “The space beneath the flyover should be fenced to prevent such crossings, mainly by motorcyclists. Further, the service lane is curvy making it difficult for motorists to control their vehicles when they suddenly notice such trespassers,” says a traffic policemen.