With the completion of Metro Rail work and restoration of two-way traffic on Second Avenue Road in Anna Nagar, residents and motorists finally heaved a sigh of relief. Despite the hiccups in re-adjusting to the new traffic arrangement, they were glad to see the stretch undergoing a makeover of sorts — a fresh layer of bitumen, a tiled footpath, designated parking lots, stormwater drains, modern bus shelters, LED street lights. However, lack of traffic signals on key stretches, including Blue Star bus stop, Anna Nagar roundtana and Ayyappan temple, is the fly in the ointment. Its absence continues to put all road users at risk.
“We cannot fully enjoy the new features as the waiting time at the signals on the stretch has not reduced. An automatic traffic signal is the need of the hour,” says S. Pandian, a resident of Anna Nagar.
Before reintroducing the two-way system, vehicles from Mogappair and Thirumangalam could reach the Anna Nagar Roundtana only via 13th, 15th and 18th Main Road.
Vehicles from Poonammallee High Road could reach Thirumangalam, Mogappair and other north-western parts of the city through Second Avenue or Fourth Avenue Main Road, which is parallel to Second Avenue Main Road.
While Second Avenue Main Road returned to the two-way system, the interior lanes, including 13th, 15th and 18th Main Road, continue to have a one-way traffic arrangement.
Every hour, on an average, around 8,000 motorists use the stretch now.
Currently, around 40 policemen, including the personnel from the Law and Order wing, regulate traffic at eight traffic points on Second Avenue Main Road, especially during rush hour. During lean hours, motorists regulate the traffic themselves, which has resulted in minor accidents and traffic snarls.
Compounding the situation, as the stretch was widened, vehicles, especially private cars, are parked on both sides of the stretch. Though the Corporation collects a fee to park at designated spots on the stretch, at times, this results in unregulated parking, thus obstructing free flow of traffic.
According to residents, the police must initiate a joint meeting between residents’ welfare associations in the neighbourhood, traffic police, Metro Rail officials and civic body. A conservation on how to make the stretch safer with traffic signals and other safety measures is the need of the hour, they say.
