The Indian Express         25.06.2013

MMRDA to install noise barriers, signages on Eastern Freeway

The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority will also install additional sign boards to bring in more clarity on traffic rules, entry and exit points on the freeway.

"We have recognised the need to install noise barriers at certain places where the freeway is flanked by residential areas. We will commission a study soon to find out the exact spots. The study will record decibel levels and help us arrive at exact specifications of the noise barriers," said UPS Madan, metropolitan commissioner, MMRDA.

"Users have brought to our attention the need for additional sign boards. We will ensure that before every ramp, there are two sign boards indicating exit one km and 500 metres prior to it. Special attention will be also given to the Panjarpol junction, as cars coming from Navi Mumbai mistakenly take the service road to the freeway," he said.

The MMRDA commissioner will also have a discussion with the traffic police about permitting heavy vehicles on the freeway, as some transport experts and commuters have expressed an opinion that the utility of the road could increase if trucks and trailers are allowed to ply. As of now, two-wheelers, three-wheelers and heavy vehicles are not allowed on the freeway.

Meanwhile, MMRDA had put up traffic counters on Eastern Freeway Monday last week to analyse traffic patterns and the usage. The seven-day data has revealed that the daily average of the number of vehicles using the freeway was more than 24,000, roughly in line with the minimum traffic expectations that the development authority had estimated.

The MMRDA had opened the Eastern Freeway to traffic on June 14. The road, which has cut the distance from P D'Mello Road in south Mumbai to Chembur to about 15 minutes, is a combination of a 9.3-km elevated road till Anik near Wadala and a 4.3-km at-grade road including one tunnel to Panjarpol junction near RK studio in Chembur.