NHAI plans vehicular underpass at entry point to city on Chennai-Tiruchi Highway

NHAI to build VUP at No.1 Tollgate entry to Trichy, ROB at Maruthi Nagar; estimated cost ₹45 crore; work to start in Feb; activists welcome move, call for VUP at Sanjeevi Nagar too.

The National Highways Authority of India (NHA) is drawing up a proposal to provide a vehicular underpass (VUP) at the entry point to the city from the Chennai-Tiruchi-Tuticorin National Highway near the No.1 Tollgate to ease the traffic congestion at the intersection.

The plan will entail the construction of a road over bridge (ROB) near Maruthi Nagar for the through-traffic to go over. The existing carriageways will cater to vehicles exiting the highway towards the city and those entering the highway from here.

Confirming the development, sources in the NHAI indicated that the road overbridge would have six lanes and is estimated to cost ₹ 45 crore approximately. However, the exact estimate may vary on finalisation of the plan.

“Given the traffic conflict at the intersection, a VUP is necessary here. The proposal is currently under scrutiny and it will soon be forwarded to the NHAI headquarters for approval,” the sources said.

The project, once sanctioned would be completed within two years from the date of commencement of work. Indications are that the work could start as early as February.

Given the heavy traffic that the NH caters to, providing proper traffic diversions, to facilitate the construction of the ROB, would be a key issue. Officials are now weighing the options and the diversion plan would be finalised in consultation with the district administration, after which the proposal is expected to be taken forward.

The intersection witnesses heavy traffic round-the-clock and is situated on a curve. Although an automatic traffic signal has been installed at the intersection, police have also placed temporary barricades to force vehicles to slow down and prevent accidents.