Three major projects — Benz Circle flyover, Kanaka Durga flyover and four-laning of Vijayawada-Machilipatnam highway — are expected to be completed in the next one-and-a-half years. While the four-laning project is scheduled to be completed by November 2018, the Kanaka Durga flyover will be operational by March, 2018. The Benz Circle flyover will be ready to use by August 2019.
Addressing a press conference at the Secretariat on Thursday, Principal Secretary (Transport, Roads and Buildings) Sumita Dawra said the road near Kanaka Durga flyover would be closed till December for speedy completion of the flyover. It was also for the safety of public as spans and wings would be erected during next four months. The Home Department has been requested to take steps for closure of the road and diversion of traffic. In view of technical challenges, the flyover work schedule was changed. The flyover would be completed before March 2018, she said.
The Vijayawada-Machilipatnam four-laning project costs ₹740 crore. It includes the cost of Benz Circle flyover also. Four major bridges, five minor bridges and five vehicle under pass (VUP) would come as part of the project. The VUPs would be constructed at Kankipadu, Gandigunta, Vuyyur, Mantada and Pamarru, she said, adding the four-laning works would be completed by November 2018.
Deadline advanced
A 1.4-km length flyover was under construction at Benz Circle. The first phase — from Jyothi Mahal to Nirmala Convent — comprises two bridges of three-lane width, while the length of each bridge is 618 metres. Though as per contract, the work has to be completed by November 2018, the government has set August, 2018 as deadline. Remaining portion will be completed in phase-II for which deadline is August 2019, she said.
The flyover starts at the Ramesh Hospitals/Gurunanak Colony junction and ends near the Skew Bridge. The designs specify that two separate bridges comprising four lanes will be constructed, in addition to the existing four-lane national highway. Regular city traffic will use the existing road and heavy vehicles will be diverted through the flyover, which will join the NH at the Skew Bridge junction.