New traffic diversion to relieve Kundanoor soon

Kochi: The construction work of the Kundannoor flyover is making a slow progress with just over 10 per cent of the project getting completed in the last six months even as serpentine queue of vehicles has become a regular feature during peak hours at the busy junction along the National Highway 66. The Public Works Department (PWD) has directed contractor Marymatha Constructions to speed up piling works in the Aroor direction.

“The piling works at Aroor direction (South) has started. We’re raising the service road before the Crown Plaza side so as to widen the highway stretch there. After opening the newly-laid portion to vehicles, barricades will be erected at the centre for facilitating construction works,’ said a senior PWD official.

The service road at the opposite side (Le Meridian) was also widened to facilitate smooth vehicle flow. “From now onwards, vehicles coming from Vytilla side and proceeding towards Thevara won’t be allowed to cross the junction. The vehicles will have to proceed through the service road and take the subway to reach the other end,” the official said.

So far 58 out of the total 184 piles for Kundanoor flyover were constructed besides five pile caps. Interlock tiles were laid for 410 metres at the Vytilla direction (North). The preparation work of the 701-metre long Kundanoor flyover started in March last.

Meanwhile, construction of Vytilla flyover has picked up pace with half the project work already over. “The construction of 125 out of total 140 piles, 21 out of total 30 pile caps, 15 out of total 34 piers and 12 out of 30 pier caps got over. Four of the girder beams too have been placed,” the official said.