Median opening on Villianur Road poses threat to road users

A huge gap in the road median on the arterial Villianur Road has been causing massive traffic chaos near Indira Gandhi Square as vehicles move in a haphazard manner posing a safety risk to commuters, especially motorists.

The median gap located opposite to a petrol bunk was created allowing vehicles coming from the bunk to join the Villianur Road and move towards Nellithope or Cuddalore sides. This, however, has led to chaos and confusion as vehicles, mostly buses and cars, started misusing the median gap to avoid waiting at the long queues of vehicles waiting at the traffic signal.

While the opening is proving to be beneficial for many vehicles to squeeze through, this practice is obstructing the flow of traffic headed towards Indira Gandhi square, making the area prone to accidents. Motorists get caught when heavy vehicles and car vie with each other to proceed further.

According to A. Arasukumar, a resident of Kamban Nagar, “The gap was recently closed using permanent iron barricades, preventing vehicles and motorists from causing any kind of congestion in this portion. However, the barricades were removed a few days later and there is no discipline on the road.”

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“This median opening should be properly closed. The Villianur Road has witnessed several similar accidents in the past, including wrong-side driving and authorised median openings, establishing a pattern of fatalities. Heavy vehicles, especially private buses, remain uncontrollable on the stretch, thereby putting the lives of pedestrians and motorists at risk. The situation has now only worsened as the barricades are often removed at night and no efforts have been taken to properly close them,” said an urban planner.

An official said, “The issue of traffic congestion at Indira Gandhi Square was also discussed at the District Road Safety Committee Meeting. Despite attempts to address the issue, vehicle users continue to breach the median and indulge in traffic violations at the junction.”

“At Indira Gandhi Square, motorists proceeding from Villianur Road to Gorimedu or ECR have to take a free left at the junction. However, vehicles heading towards Gorimedu also take a ‘U’ turn at the junction, resulting in traffic chaos and accidents. Traffic violations at this junction remain a concern. We will look into the issue, and proper remedial measures will be taken to close the gaps,” the official said.