Remember the Highways Department is constructing a bridge connecting Nerkundram and Mogappair on the Cooum River. This is one of the entry points from Poonamallee High Road to reach places such as Mogappair East and West, Anna Nagar Western Extension, Thirumangalam and Ambattur Industrial Estate. Once open, this bridge is likely to provide great relief to the motorists from either sides of Mogappair and Nerkundram.
For two years now, motorists have to take a detour of over seven km via Thirumangalam Main Road and Jawaharlal Nehru Salai to reach areas along Poonamallee High Road as the bridge across the Cooum river is yet to be completed.
The new bridge, being constructed by the State Highways at a cost of Rs.11.3 crores, will connect Padi Kuppam Road and Golden George Nagar, Mogappair, with Nerkundram. The project was started in August 2010. It will be about 110 metres long and nearly 24 metre wide allowing traffic up to six lanes. It will also have dedicated space for bicycles and pedestrians, said officials of the Highways Department.
S. Kathiravan of Gangaiamman Nagar said that the work to replace the causeway is progressing at a snail’s pace.
“I sometimes take a narrow causeway across the river nearby. But, I have to vie for space with pedestrians. It is also in poor condition,” he said.
Joy, a class X student from VGP Amudha Nagar, said that motorists from Mogappair have to travel to Padi Kuppam Road or Golden George Nagar to reach various areas along Poonamallee High Road.
“My father travels to Maduravoyal and take the Chennai Bypass Road to reach Wavin junction at the Ambattur Industrial Estate. This will also mean a detour of more than five kilometres,” he said.
Apprehensions
S. Madhan Raj, a resident of Nerkundram said that residents have apprehensions about the burial ground adjacent to the bridge. He added that crematorium area should be marked accordingly and it should be provided with a compound wall to prevent miscreants entering the area for anti-social activities.
The Highways Department officials said the bridge would be thrown open to traffic by the end of March. Of the ten spans, eight have been completed so far. The burial ground will not be disturbed except for one or two square metres, they assured.
