Work on footpaths continues on Kodambakkam bridge

After opening the Kodambakkam bridge for two-way traffic, the Chennai Corporation has resumed work on restoration of pedestrian facilities.

Even as motorists were using the bridge on Saturday, a number of labourers continued to work on renovating pedestrian footpaths of the bridge. “We will complete the work on pedestrian facilities in March,” said an official.

“Traffic congestion came down on Saturday with the resumption of two-way traffic. But, we are unable to walk on the bridge,” said Loganathan, a shopkeeper.

Two flights of stairs for pedestrians on the bridge have been demolished for restoration work. The civic body will repair two more flights of stairs after a makeover of the pedestrian facilities.

“Residents have requested the Corporation to complete the work on pedestrian facilities of the bridge on time. They also want buses to ply to reduce the time of commute,” said S.Sakthi, councillor of ward 112.

Residents said traffic remained affected in neighbourhoods in the vicinity of the Rangarajapuram flyover due to the movement of heavy vehicles.

“Buses and compactors are driven in a rash manner. The traffic diversion has affected our residential neighbourhood. Senior citizens are unable to walk on the narrow road because of the rash driving of MTC drivers. Garbage lorries cause disturbance to residents at night,” said N. Arivalagan, a resident of Chakrapani Street.  

Chennai Corporation and the traffic police will stop diverting buses and other heavy vehicles through Rangarajapuram flyover on January 1.