Residents of North Chennai are finally set to get relief from chronic traffic congestion as the Vadaperumbakkam bridge, stuck in legal and logistical hurdles for three years, is scheduled to open to the public next week. The bridge promises to transform daily commutes for the areas of Manali and Madhavaram, especially during the monsoon season.
A Project Born from Necessity
Work on this crucial infrastructure project began in January 2020 with an initial estimated cost of 22 crore rupees. The primary goal was to improve road connectivity and provide an all-weather accessible route. The bridge, sanctioned by the state government, spans 261 metres in length and has a 10-metre width, which includes a dedicated 1.5-metre footpath for pedestrian safety.
As explained by B Shankaravelu, chief engineer (bridges) for the Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC), the structure is designed to eliminate the problematic pathway over the Puzhal surplus canal. "To eliminate the pathway and provide an all-weather accessible route for residents of Manali and Madhavaram, the bridge has been constructed over Puzhal surplus," he stated.
Navigating a Maze of Delays
The project's journey to completion was far from smooth. Originally slated for a 15-month contract period with a completion deadline of April 2021, a series of unforeseen challenges caused significant extensions.
The initial disruption came from the Covid-19 lockdown, which halted progress. Following this, the project faced protracted delays due to land acquisition issues, specifically legal disputes over the acquisition of 948 square metres of private land. Further technical hurdles included the complex task of shifting a 900-mm diameter desalination pipeline.
Nature also played a spoiler. The worksite was repeatedly inundated by surplus water released by the Water Resources Department (WRD) during rainy seasons, bringing construction to a standstill and compounding the delays.
A Sigh of Relief for Commuters
The opening of the Vadaperumbakkam bridge marks the end of a frustrating period of limbo for thousands of daily commuters. The stretch has been notorious for severe traffic snarls, with conditions worsening dramatically during the monsoon when the old pathway over the canal became unusable.
Officials assert that the new bridge will make daily travel significantly easier and more accessible, reducing travel time and improving safety for both vehicles and pedestrians. For the communities of Manali and Madhavaram, this is not just a new piece of infrastructure but a vital lifeline that will enhance connectivity and quality of life, proving that perseverance in public projects can eventually yield results.
