The State Highways Department is taking steps to reduce traffic chaos at Lawley Road junction.
For commuters coming from or proceeding to Vadavalli, Mettupalayam Road, RS Puram or Thadagam Road, crossing the junction means waiting for at least two rounds of the traffic signal before getting their chance to move. The waiting time is longer during the peak hours in the morning and evening.
Officials of the Highways Department said bids have been invited to prepare a detailed project report for three projects. One is on the efforts needed at the junction. It can be construction of a flyover or grade separators and widening some of the roads. The report will include details of the estimate.
The government also plans to study the possibility of having a downward ramp from the Gandhipuram flyover at 100 feet road, Cross Cut Road, and towards Bharathiar Road.
The third proposal is for extension of the Ukkadam flyover to Aathupalam junction.
The detailed project reports are expected to be ready in a couple of months and the government has allocated ₹40 lakh for these studies. The tenders have been called for Gandhipuram too and it will be called for the Ukkadam project shortly. The department will take up soil test, traffic census, and a basic design study too for these projects.
According to K. Karthirmathiyon, secretary of Coimbatore Consumer Cause, all the three project are a necessity. At the Lawley Road junction, the road should be widened even from Mettupalayam Road towards Vadavalli. A flyover at the junction will benefit the public.