Elephant Gate bridge turns a chicken neck

Agony on road: Ever since traffic diversion was introduced, congestion on Elephant Gate bridge has worsened.

Damage to Elephant Gate bridge near Salt Cotaurs has disrupted traffic movement along arterial roads and bus routes in other parts of the city.

Residents and motorists have started reporting to civic agencies the difficulty faced due to traffic congestion on Poonamallee High Road, Wall Tax Road, Pallavan Salai, Rajah Muthiah Salai, Perambur Barracks Road, and Pulianthope High Road.

T. Kalarimuthu, former Councillor of the Ward 58, said congestion on the stretch of Poonamalle High Road from Central Railway Station to Raja Annamalai Road was severe. “Steps to reduce traffic congestion have to be taken by officials concerned,” he said.

“Congestion near Central Railway Station has worsened after the traffic diversion on the bridge. Vehicles take 15 to 20 minutes to cross the signal near the Central Railway Station. The situation is expected to worsen,” said A. Meghanathan, a motorist.

A traffic police in the area said preliminary work had started on the bridge. “Heavy vehicles have been restricted as the bridge is very weak. We are allowing motorcycles. The bridge will be closed for traffic shortly. Congestion on Wall Tax Road is likely to be severe,” said the official.

Estimate getting ready

The Railways and Chennai Corporation will prepare estimates for the restoration of a 150-metre bridge shortly, said an official of Chennai Corporation. “Temporary work have started to prevent collapse of the bridge. We are doing it on trial and error method,” said the official. “Vehicles on Wall Tax Road cross the stretch in 30 minutes. The civic agencies have to plan new bridges in more locations to prevent congestion,” said Aavin Arul, a former councillor.