Multi-level bridge work chokes residents.

While work is apace on the construction of a new multi-level bridge near the Railway Junction, road users are having a tough time accessing the Dindigul Highway from Periyamilagupari owing to the poor condition of the temporary road on the stretch.

The bridge is coming up in place of the existing narrow one at Viralimalai Road intersection. Both the Highways Department and the railways have commenced work simultaneously at the site. The project is being executed in two stages and in the first stage, a new three-lane bridge with five arms will be built at a cost of Rs. 44.28 crore adjacent to the existing bridge. The bridge is expected to be completed in three years. The Highways Department has been making swift progress on the construction of the bridge towards the Dindigul Highway near Ponnagar. But although a temporary road has been laid at the V.V.V. Theatre and Periyamilaguparai Junction, the road has taken a severe beating.

Traffic snarls have become common at the intersection. 'Although it is a short stretch, it makes for a bumpy ride and vehicles often queue up at the spot, especially during peak hours,' says Shanmugam, a resident. Residents complain that the muddy road and construction work cause huge pollution. They have demanded that the temporary road should be blacktopped immediately.


THE HINDU