Absence Of Median On Avanashi Road Cause Traiifc
Absence of a median on Avanashi Road has led to violations that pose a risk to motorists and also cause traffic snarls. The arterial Avanashi Road, which has been made a six-lane spending crores of rupees, is now facing another problem – lack of a proper median. The 16-km-long road is the entry point to major towns and it is the only approach road to airport. On its sides are a large number of industries, hospitals and education institutions making it the busiest. The situation now is that any motorist prone to violate rules can create an accident or traffic snarl. The road widening and improvements have almost been completed. The construction of additional span in narrow bridges is underway. The recent ruling of the Supreme Court against placing hoarding and advertisements on roads is affecting the median work. Earlier, private firms were willing to sponsor the median work as they get space for advertisement. Now the Government has dropped the system to comply with the court directive. Then, the State Highways Department wanted the Government to construct the median. An estimate for Rs. 4 crore was forwarded.
The estimate is now with the Finance Department for approval. The authorities have placed boulders at some places to prevent motorists from taking deviations from undesignated points. The issue was repeatedly discussed at the Road Safety cum Traffic Advisory Committee meetings. Collector V. Palanikumar and City Police Commissioner K.C. Mahali have asked the Highways Department to initiate some temporary remedial measures till a concrete solution is evolved.
Mr. Kathirmathiyon, secretary, Coimbatore Consumer Cause, says the delay in construction of the median is understandable. But the Highways authorities should initiate some temporary measures. State Highways authorities says the construction works will begin as soon as the paper works are over. The authorities are trying to tie ropes, place boulders and barricades along the road to ensure safety of users.
