Damaged stretches of Anna Salai to be restored soon

The Highways Department will take up re-laying of portions of Anna Salai shortly with patches of Bituminous Tar. These are mostly locations that have been disturbed by civic agencies and internet service providers.

“We have already done immediate restoration of road cuts using cement concrete. These are in about 20 locations. The water table running between the main carriageway and the footpath too has been damaged in cable laying work. Though the pavements were restored only two months ago, the water table has been disturbed after that. Those stretches too will be restored to ensure proper flow of water into the stormwater drains,” explained an official source.

In some locations, there have been unauthorised road cuts also. “These have been done by people who have cut the road surface to remove blocks in sewer lines or to repair power cables without any permission. These points too have been restored with CC to ensure smooth traffic flow. We carry out routine inspections and look for damages to the road. The pipeline sinking on Poonamallee High Road was spotted during one such inspection,” said another source.

Asked about damaged portions along the construction sites of the Saidapet to Teynampet elevated corridor, an official source said that water mains were shifted in two locations for the project. The contracting company was obliged to take up repairs in those locations and anywhere else along the 3 km stretch. “We have instructed them to take up the restorations.”

Besant Nagar resident G. Ramakrishnan who takes the road daily to work, said that there were placed that could be smoother. “Since there are rains almost every month, the surface is getting damaged frequently. It would be better if the entire road is re-laid instead of just patch works being carried out as it is one of the very important roads in the city,” he opined.