Chennaiites’ traffic woes caused by the ongoing Chennai metro rail continue unabated. After the traffic diversions, even the scaffoldings and signages erected at metro rail work sites on arterial city roads are affecting traffic movement.
Road users Jawaharlal Nehru Road had one such harrowing time early Monday afternoon after a signage, warning multi-axle vehicles (above 14.5ft) against proceeding further near Ekkaduthangal bridge, collapsed. Vehicles proceeding to Koyambedu from Kathipara flyover remained stranded for a brief time owing to the worksite accident.
Heavy vehicles like mofussil and town buses in particular were stranded for more than 15 minutes resulting in huge traffic bottleneck on the stretch between Ambal Nagar and Ashok Pillar as the service lane beneath the bridge has already been closed owing to the metro rail work.
When asked, CMRL officials blamed the traffic police and said the metal signage collapsed after a multi-axle vehicle, which was above the prescribed height of 14.5 feet, drove through the spot unmindful of the warning, hit it.
Fortunately, no casualty or injury was reported – something CMRL can claim credit for since Day 1 of the implementation of the mega project.
Way back in April 2010, a major accident was averted on the same route near Vadapalani when a pile-boring machine started tilting while in motion.
Fortunately then, the machine was prevented from falling on the road and a major mishap prevented. However, traffic was suspended on 100ft road (both directions) for several hours.
Road users have appealed to CMRL to exercise more caution while carrying out construction work on busy roads.