Link road project drags on in Tiruchi

Poor planning and execution continue to dog the Anna Nagar Link Road project in the city, more than five years since it took off.

The road, meant to be a crucial link between Anna Nagar Main Road and the Lawsons Road near the MGR Statue in Cantonment in the city, remains unfinished and continues to drag on as the Corporation has been forced to take up additional works apparently due to the design changes incorporated midway through the project. The original location of bridge was found unsuitable and the structure was built slightly upstream subsequently.

The sense of relief among motorists when the road was opened for traffic on trial basis in July was short-lived as the Corporation soon discovered that the gradient from the new bridge was too steep and retaining walls had to be constructed along the Anna Nagar Main Road. Consequently, the Anna Nagar Main Road was closed and a road diversion was enforced through the adjoining by-lanes.

The Corporation has now taken up the additional work at a cost of about Rs.75 lakhs. Motorists and locals complain the closure of the Anna Nagar Main Road and the poor condition of the diversion roads have put them into much hardship. The short stretch of approach road from Anna Nagar Main Road to the new bridge has not been blacktopped yet and motorists are forced to make their way through slippery ground with sharp stones strewn around.

“It makes for a very dangerous ride and motorists often slip and fall down. The gradient towards the Anna Nagar Main Road is also very steep. The area is poorly lit; youths could be seen drinking in the open along the stretch during the nights. The diversion roads are full of potholes and are unsuitable to take the heavy traffic,” said N.Jamaludeen, a resident of the area. He also observed that the absence of retaining walls along the Uyyakondan canal could lead to accidents.

Locals are critical of the Corporation over the slow pace of the work. They also complain that the design of the junctions both at the Anna Nagar Main Road and near MGR Statue appear to be faulty and not properly aligned with existing roads. The road is not aligned straight with the Lawsons Road and would require elaborate changes in the MGR statue junction. The statue would also have to be shifted.

When contacted, a senior Corporation official said the problem on the Anna Nagar Main Road would be sorted out once the retaining walls were constructed. Arrangements are being made for smooth flow of traffic on all directions. The work would be completed by mid- January. Appropriate improvements would be made at the Cantonment side too, he indicated.

Adequate lighting would be provided at the area within the next few days and parapet walls would be constructed along the Uyyakondan canal to prevent accidents, he added.