A year after two-way traffic system was restored in many parts of Anna Nagar, after a break of six years, the locality is now going one-way again.
The new decision, which will take effect in May, is aimed at facilitating the construction of a pedestrian subway by Chennai Metro Rail, at the Second Avenue junction adjoining the Anna Nagar Roundtana.
Stretches between the Roundtana, Third Avenue Main Road, Fourth Avenue Main Road, AA Block 3rd Main Road and Second Avenue Main Road will be made one-way.
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The Assistant Commissioner of Police (Traffic), Anna Nagar, says there will be a two-day trial run on May 7 or May 8.
“If the traffic flow is smooth, we will implement it the next day,” he says. “Vehicles coming from Anna Arch and Anna Nagar flyover will enter Third Avenue Main Road, enter Shanti Colony or Fourth Avenue Main Road and then turn right to AA Block 3rd Main Road to access the Roundtana. The other stretches will remain two-way.”
The subway is expected to ease the movement of pedestrians between Anna Nagar East Metro station and Second Avenue and Third Avenue. In the absence of a subway, pedestrians can be seen darting across these roads to access any of the four arms of the junction.
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A portion of Second Avenue has been occupied for Metro Rail work.
“This has substantially reduced the road space and is contributing to constant traffic congestion at the Roundtana,” says another traffic official, adding that with introduction of one-way traffic movement, this congestion will ease and the number of constables regulating traffic can be whittled down.
“Two-way traffic arrangement will be restored in three months, the time in which CMRL is expected to complete the subway work,” he adds.