Approach roads of Uyyakondan bridge cave in; bikers at risk

TRICHY: The narrow Vayalur Road and the damaged approach roads of the bridge across Uyyakondan canal in the stretch have become a nightmare for road users, especially two-wheeler riders, and residents in the area. The approach roads of the bridge cave in quite often causing snarl-ups in the already congested stretch.

K Abishekapuram zone comprising Vayalur Road and Woraiyur has about 65,000 properties, the maximum among the four zones of the Trichy City Corporation. Many apartments and gated communities are also coming up along the Vayalur Road till Nachikurichi and Vasan Nagar. For the office-goers and college students from these areas, the Uyyakondan bridge is a vital link to Trichy city. The approach roads connecting the bridge with Kumaran Nagar and Ramalinga Nagar, which witness heavy flow of vehicles every day, continue to be in a pitiable state. "The approach roads, which lie lower than the Vayalur Road, often caves in resulting in the formation of pits and potholes posing a dander to two-wheelers, who often slips down while negotiating the uneven road," said V Baskaran, a resident of Vayalur Road. Adding to the woes is the danger caused by the speeding private buses to Allithurai and Somarasampettai.

Caving-in is frequent in the bridge that is used by vehicles to enter the city. Though the state highways department frequently repairs the curvy approach road, it seems that the work done by it is not enough to solve the problem as the approach roads get damaged even after a moderate rainfall. "We have to strengthen the basement of the approach road to avoid caving in. A proper slope has to be given to prevent rainwater from entering the basement," a senior official with the state highways department said. The residents also sought better illumination and speed breakers in the stretch to prevent road accidents as young men are seen often zipping a pass on the stretch on their high-end bikes.

Source