Roundabout work causes traffic jam

Coimbatore: The roundabout being set up at Thomas Park at Race Course is causing traffic snarls and posing risk to commuters as it has shrunk the carriageway, regular commuters say.
The municipal corporation is developing the Race Course stretch under the smart cities mission with amenities including walking tracks. The roundabout is constructed at Thomas Park, where Abdul Rahim Road, which connects Race Course with Puliakulam Road, and Race Course Road connecting Trichy Road, meet.
Commuters say that a divider provided safe passage for vehicles. The base of the roundabout has eaten up the entire carriageway on one side of the road, leaving a narrow passage on the eastern side.
“The roundabout has occupied half the road, which has resulted in a very narrow space for vehicles. The base of the roundabout should be shrunken so that vehicles can pass through both sides,” said C Badrasamy, a regular commuter. “The corner can cause major congestion if the issue is not sorted out as the number of vehicles is growing.”
Bikers moving in opposite directions face danger if they are not cautious, said Shahul Hameed, another commuter.
Inconvenience for the motorists is temporary, said corporation commissioner M Prathap. “Once the base of the roundabout is set, cobble stone work will be carried out. It will be akin to the surroundings of the clock tower in the middle of DB Road. Vehicles can pass through all sides once the work is complete and there will be lots of space for vehicles,” he added.