09.06.2026: Coimbatore: Motorists have raised concerns over the damaged expansion joints in the GN Mills Flyover on the Mettupalayam Road.
(File Photo)COIMBATORE: Motorists using the GN Mills flyover on Mettupalayam Road have raised concerns over damaged expansion joints on the structure, warning that the deteriorating condition could pose a serious risk to commuters if immediate repairs are not undertaken.
The flyover, constructed to ease congestion at the busy GN Mills Junction where Subramaniyampalayam Road and Udayampalayam Road intersect with National Highway 181, is one of the key traffic corridors in the city.
However, commuters say several steel expansion joints connecting the deck slabs of the bridge have become damaged, with some sections breaking apart and protruding above the road surface. The defects have been noticed at three different spots on the flyover.
Motorists have pointed out that the damaged joints produce loud metallic noises whenever vehicles pass over them, creating anxiety among road users and raising fears about the structural integrity of the bridge.
"The sound is alarming, especially when heavy vehicles cross the damaged sections. Every time I drive over the flyover, I worry about whether the loose steel pieces could damage vehicles or cause an accident," said R Prakash, a daily commuter from Thudiyalur.
Another motorist, S Kavitha, who frequently uses the route to travel to the city centre, said the problem has worsened in recent weeks. "The protruding joints are clearly visible. Two-wheeler riders in particular are vulnerable if they hit the damaged portions at speed. Authorities should address the issue before someone gets hurt," she added. Commuters have also observed that while three locations appear severely damaged, several other expansion joints on the flyover show signs of wear and may require preventive maintenance or replacement.
Responding to concerns, a senior official from the National Highways wing of the state highways department told TNIE that the damaged portions had already been inspected. "The concerned contractor has been instructed to undertake repairs immediately. We expect work to commence by the end of this week, and damaged joints will be repaired at the earliest," the official said.