The Hindu 16.06.2010
Mint flyover to be ready in a year: Mayor
Staff Reporter
FIRST STEP: Mayor M. Subramanian inaugurating the Mint flyover work.
CHENNAI: Work on the Mint flyover, a facility expected to decongest traffic in north Chennai, began on Tuesday with Mayor M.Subramanian laying the foundation stone.
Speaking at a function organised by the Chennai Corporation at the Mint junction, the Mayor said the project was being implemented at a cost of Rs.23 crore. The work is expected to be completed in a year, ahead of the schedule of 18 months.
The civic body has entrusted the design, engineering, procurement of materials and construction of the four-lane flyover to contracting firm IVRCL. As the firm would be involved in shifting utility lines and laying of service lanes, the work would be carried out faster. The flyover would be 520 metres long and 15 metres wide.
On the land acquisition for the project, Mr.Subramanian said the Corporation regained control of 22.50 grounds encroached by 35 timber shops. It was also in the process of obtaining nearly 16.50 grounds belonging to other departments. Residents of various areas, including Mint and Basin Bridge Road, would benefit from the flyover.
Regarding works being carried out in north Chennai, he said estimates had been prepared for a Rs.7.4-crore road underbridge at Korukkupet connecting Thiagappa Street and Kannan Street. The construction would be taken up after the completion of a road overbridge at the junction of Cochrane Basin Road and Kathivakkam High Road in December.
