Road offers a way out of congested stretches in north Chennai

The new road will connect stretches between Bharathi Nagar, Korukkupet and Manali Road bridge; Ezhil Nagar and IOC bridge; Kargil Nagar, Tiruvottiyur and Ennore.

The 12-km road along the north Buckingham canal will help residents avoid the Tondiarpet High Road and Manali Expressway — Photo: B. Jothi Ramalingam

Soon, residents of parts of north Chennai may have a respite from vying for space with heavy vehicles on arterial roads.

The Water Resources Department (WRD) is set to complete laying the road along the north Buckingham canal for a distance of nearly 12 km on various stretches. Once blacktopped, the road will provide much-needed relief from heavily-congested roads such as Tondiarpet High Road and Manali Expressway for the residents.

Officials of the WRD said it was initially designed to be an inspection track to oversee the works taken up on the canal. But, this can be also used by two-wheelers and small cars to connect to the main roads.

The new road will connect stretches between Bharathi Nagar, Korukkupet and Manali Road bridge; Ezhil Nagar and IOC bridge; Kargil Nagar, Tiruvottiyur and Ennore. Of this, the stretch between Kargil Nagar and Ennore will be the longest covering seven km.

S. Giri of Vyasarpadi said some residents had already begun using the road. “Some of the stretches along the canal may not be short route. But, it will help me escape traffic caused by lorries on main roads.”

The laying of road, which is in its final stages, is being implemented as part of improvement works to the canal at the cost of Rs.9 crore. The canal, which runs for a distance of 17.3 km from Central railway station to Ennore Creek, had been widened and provided with a flood-protection wall.

An official said the 3.7 metre wide road is not designed for heavy vehicular traffic.