Two-way traffic may weaken Richmond flyover, warn experts

Two-way traffic may weaken Richmond flyover, warn experts
New Indian Express

BANGALORE: Ever since the Richmond Circle flyover was converted into a two-way, it has run into controversy. While the traffic police defend the move as a necessity, traffic engineers raise safety concerns stating that it may damage the structure.

Traffic experts say the main purpose of the flyover is to ensure smooth movement of traffic. By converting it to a two-way, the flow of traffic is not only disrupted, but leads to a scissor crossing in the middle increasing the chances of head-on collision of vehicles.

S.N. Sairam, traffic engineer says, “Vehicles on a flyover should not be stationary as they would exert tremendous pressure on the structure resulting in cracks at the joints and columns or even lead to a total collapse of the structure.”

“Flyovers are designed to withstand the dynamic load of the vehicles. When traffic stops over the flyover, it would lead to static or impact load increasing the pressure on the structure. In the long run, this can lead to the failure of the structure, if not a total collapse,” says M.N. Sreehari, traffic adviser and consultant.

A flyover ideally should be four-lane, he adds.

But R. Jagadish, president, Association of Consulting Civil Engineers, shoots down such concerns. “As far as the flyover structure is concerned, there is absolutely no threat,” he says.

“Our traffic police should be given an award for making impossible things possible,” quips highway engineer Justo. “Nowhere else in the world is two-way commutation allowed on flyovers.

They seem to have even overlooked the basic rule of the roads. The flyover is not wide enough for even a one-way,” he adds.

Apart from this, the Richmond Circle flyover is closed after 10 p.m.

This, many traffic experts say, is ridiculous because this would worsen traffic on the road beneath.

Traffic experts say the decision to make the flyover a two-way has been taken without adequate study or consultation. They unanimously suggest the formation of a panel of experts to guide the traffic police on such matters.

But DCP Traffic (East) M.A. Saleem dismisses these fears. He says the two-way system was implemented to utilise the structure completely.

“We had considered many options and implemented what we thought was the best. The only other option left was to demolish one ramp, which was not feasible. The decision was taken after consulting experts.

All the precautions have been taken to make the flyover safe and there is no room for any apprehension,” affirms Saleem.