Bridge to Porur turns to 6-laner, will ease traffic to west Chennai

CHENNAI: The widening of the bridge on the Adyar river at Manapakkam, to turn it from a four-lane to a six-lane stretch and include a pedestrian path at a cost of Rs 13 crore, is likely to be completed by mid-January, highways department officials said.
The 135m-long bridge will have a 100m-long approach road on both sides — toward Porur and Guindy.
A 2m-wide pathway will provide pedestrians safe passage on the bridge, the lack of which has deterred its use by people looking to cross it on foot.
Officials said the 18-month project is moving at a fast pace. They expect the bridge and approach roads to be ready by January 15, well ahead of the March deadline.
The project includes structural additions to keep the bridge stable under a heavier load. This include aprons, to sustain the ends of the bridge, as also toe walls to retain its foundation and prevent flooding on the banks near the approach on both sides like in 2015, when water was released from the Chembarambakkam reservoir.
“Concrete blocks will protect the river bed under the bridge against flooding,” an official said. “Toe-walling of 300m on both sides and stone pitching will allow water to pass downstream without obstruction.”
Regular users of this stretch on Mount Poonamallee Road said widening the bridge would ease peak-hour congestion.
“The work seems to be going smoothly. We are hopeful that it will reduce traffic jams,” said John, an auto driver. “It should be a help to doctors and patients at MIOT Hospital nearby.”
“The pedestrian path will be useful for people who walk across the stretch who cross the road to reach it,” he said.
Residents said a wider bridge was needed because Mount Poonamallee Road is busy at all hours.
The project includes new streetlights for the bridge, pedestrian path and median.
“Landscaping and beautification will also be carried out near the approach roads after the construction work is completed,” an official said. “On the approach road on the Guindy side, we will plant trees and create a small recreational space. The beautification and landscaping will cost an additional Rs 1 crore.”