The Hindu 11.08.2009
Motorists start using service roads of Chennai bypass
K. Lakshmi
| Though work on phase II of the project is still in progress |
— Photo: S.Thanthoni 
The Chennai Bypass near Surapet, Red Hills.
CHENNAI: Even as the work on phase II of Chennai bypass project connecting NH-4 (Bangalore-Chennai Highway) and NH-5 (Kolkata High Road) is in progress, motorists have already begun using the service roads extending from Maduravoyal to Redhills.
Though a major portion of the work between Maduravoyal and Madhavaram has been completed, including the 3-km elevated corridor at Ambattur worth Rs.100 crore, a few impediments en route delayed the completion of the project, according to officials of the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI).
Construction of road overbridge at Pattaravakkam as part of the elevated corridor was being delayed as the NHAI awaited sanction from Southern Railway for the design. However, it is expected to be completed in six months.
Similarly, permission from the Irrigation Department was also being sought as small canals crossed the alignment of the project near Madhavaram, the officials said.
With most part of the service roads on either side of the carriageway covering 13 km laid, several motorists have started using them to reach Madhavaram and the other arterial roads intersecting with the bypass. D.Chandran of Menambedu said, “I find this route easier to reach Puzhal as I can escape from traffic congestion and also save time.”
NHAI officials said vehicular subways in seven locations, including Ambattur Red Hills Road and Surapet, have been provided to enable motorists to use the arterial roads. Besides service roads with stormwater drain network, a bridge across Cooum river near Maduravoyal would also be constructed.
The four-lane bypass project covering various areas including Ambattur and Kathirvedu would be completed by April or May next year. A toll plaza would be set up as the one provided at Maduravoyal for phase I of the project.
With the completion of work, vehicles from other parts of the State could make use of the 32-km facility worth Rs.405 crore from Tambaram to Madhavaram connecting Bangalore and Kolkata High Road.
This would help in reducing heavy vehicle traffic on the other major roads in the city, the officials added.