Anna Arch flyover wing opening likely in October

The delay in the completion of one out of the two flyovers at the Anna Arch junction has been giving tough time for road users. More so when you can go smoothly in one direction but cannot ride back with the same speed.  Though construction of one flyover starting from Poonamallee High Road to Nelson Manickam Road junction has been thrown open for motorists in March, construction of another flyover from Poonamallee High Road to Anna Arch intersection has been delayed. 

However, a senior engineer, SH (Metro Wing), on conditions of anonymity, says “After the first flyover was open, the traffic congestion had reduced, to a large extent. It is a fact that the Anna Arch junction is now witnessing heavy congestion due to ongoing works. However, works are in full swing and all the girders have been placed,” the engineer said and added that there would be a high possibility that works would be completed in a month. 

Meanwhile, speeding up of works have put the motorists and residents on cloud nine. “It takes 15 to 20 minutes to cross the road at these two points. Still worse, vehicles during peak hours pile up and move inch by inch. But, I am happy, as works of another flyover connecting from Nelson Manickam Road junction to Anna Arch are put on the fast track,” says S Mohanram, a city-based road activist. 

It may be noted that construction of both the flyovers commenced in 2011 and there has been a long delay in taking up works due to several factors, including the controversy on removal of Anna Arch and political reasons. The actual deadline for both the projects has lapsed in 2013 itself.