Chennai: Three flyovers opened to traffic

Chennai: With rains leading to heavy traffic congestion, the new flyovers at Vadapalani, Anna Arch and Retteri were opened to traffic without any formal inauguration or announcement on Thursday much to the surprise of motorists. “Considering the traffic congestion in those intersections, the flyovers were opened for the public use,” a senior highways department official said.

The Vadapalani flyover, constructed at the intersection of Jawaharlal Nehru Salai and Arcot Road at a cost of Rs 69 crore, will ease movement of vehicle in the busy junction. The second arm of the Anna Arch flyover connecting EVR Periyar Salai with Anna Nagar Third Avenue Road will further reduce traffic congestion in the Nelson Manickam Road - EVRP road-Third Avenue Road junctions. The three lane flyover at Retteri junction on Jawaharlal Nehru Salai will help in the signal-free movement of vehicles from Padi towards Red Hills.

Terming the opening of the three flyovers a victory to his party's efforts, PMK founder Dr S. Ramadoss on Thursday said that the state government opened the flyovers Wednesday night following his party's statement and respecting public views. “In a public meeting in Velacherry on Wednesday, I made an announcement that my party functionaries will throw open the three flyovers on Monday. Within hours, the officials opened the flyovers for the public usage. It is a victory for the PMK's effort,” he said in a statement.