COIMBATORE: The ongoing construction of the Saibaba Colony flyover on Mettupalayam Road has added to woes of motorists as the already battered service road beneath the structure has turned into a slushy, pothole-ridden stretch following recent rains. Commuters say navigating the stretch has become a nightmare with several two-wheelers skidding and ambulances getting stuck in the muck.
The flyover, which will connect Alagesan Road with MTP Road New Bus Terminus near Eru Company on Mettupalayam Road (NH 181), is being constructed at an estimated cost of Rs 52 crore. However, the recent downpour has exposed the poor condition of the service road below the under-construction flyover. Motorists complain that the entire stretch has turned into a 'sludge field', making it difficult even for pedestrians to pass through. "It's not just about inconvenience, but it is completely dangerous. I saw two riders fall on the same day because their bikes skidded in the mud," said D Vaishnavi, a daily commuter from RS Puram.
Even ambulances, which use the service road to bypass traffic during peak hours, struggle. "Last week, an ambulance carrying a patient got stuck in the muddy section for several minutes. It was distressing to watch," A Marimuthu, a shopkeeper in the area, said.
Responding to complaints, officials from the National Highways wing of the State Highways department said they have initiated temporary repairs. "We've started putting a layer of WM (Wet Mix Macadam) over damaged stretches and flattening it using an earthmover as a temporary measure. The work will be completed by Thursday," a senior official told TNIE.
He added that the department has instructed the contractor to go beyond stopgap repairs. "The plan was to complete the bridge first and then take up the stormwater drain and service road construction. However, considering the road's current condition, we've directed the contractor to lay a layer of BM (Bituminous Macadam) soon, followed by BC (Bituminous Concrete) during the final paving stage," he said.
Despite assurances, motorists remain sceptical. "Every time it rains, these temporary patches just wash away. We need a permanent solution, not another round of quick fixes," said P Tamil Selvan, a trader from Anna Market.