Curvy flyovers prove fatal for motorists

CHENNAI: Many an event has been reported, numerous cases filed and fatal accidents witnessed, but the problem of flyovers never seem to end. The unscientifically built structures with curves and inclined pillars are a testimony to the fact that they are half-hearted attempts at solving traffic issues. The bridge that connects Tiruvallur oil mill and Manavala Nagar in Tiruvallur district is one of the major examples of the problem as it witnesses at least one major accident a month.

“The main cause for curves on flyovers is either the land acquisition problem or the presence of water bodies. In the case of the Tiruvallur bridge, it has been designed according to the existing road which is curved. So, the bridge has many unnecessary curves often causing motorists to skid,” said Senthil, an activist.  Similarly, the flyover connecting Guindy Race Course and Velachery is L-shaped. A steep turn midway on the bridge has been known to lead to many mishaps.

According to traffic expert Krishna Kumar, the flyovers should be straight and shouldn’t curve, because curvy flyovers cannot be widened and riders can lose control of vehicles while negotiating curves.  And the speed must be limited. “The highly curved Koyambedu flyover is very perilous to motorists as the angle of turning is very dangerous. During the rainy season, the vehicles tend to skid more on wet roads thereby posing more of a risk for motorists,” said N. Nimalan, a commuter.  Adding to the woes, most of the flyovers have a bend in the end. So, when flyovers, which are meant to allow higher speeds of vehicles are not serving the purpose.