Oldest flyover in shambles

Oldest flyover in shambles
BY CHANDRASHEKAR G
BENGALURU


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The BBMP has neglected the nearly decadeold flyover connecting Silver Jubilee Park Road and Mysore Road via Sirsi Circle, which has seen several accidents over the years.
In the last seven years it has merely filled potholes on the flyover, which is still not free of them.

The BBMP admitted as much in response to an application filed under the Right to Information Act by Mr T Ramu, a resident of Vijayanagar. It said it had not spent anything on the maintenance of the flyover since 2001. But claimed that a project report had now been prepared by Ms. Wilbur Smith Associates for its maintenance and the tenders had been called in July 2008 to carry out work on it.

Speaking to Deccan Chronicle, Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) chairman Captain Raja Rao said although the flyover was meant to ease traffic conditions, it had defeated this purpose as it was filled with gaping potholes and often suffered water stagnation.

Commuters, especially the two-wheeler riders, had to neccessarily apply sudden brakes when using it, he pointed out. Capt. Rao stressed that the expansion joints on the flyover be replaced as they provided cushioning and increased the flyover’s life. “It is ridiculous that the BBMP has been concreting or asphalting the expansion joints instead of replacing them. This is dangerous to commuters. The flyover could be in danger too if cushioning is not provided,” he warned.

Former BBMP engineer K Satyanarayana said the drainage system on the flyover was badly designed. Constant dripping of water from the flyover had been proving a nuisance to the road below, he pointed out.

‘ Concreting of expan sion joints has led to bumpy rides on the flyover and is caus ing accidents. A motorist rammed into an auto recently trying to avoid the ‘ concrete jutting out of the expansion joint.

Omkar Commuter The flyover has become a killer after the hump like asphalting done on it.

‘ At least five people have died on the spot in the last two ‘ years.The situation becomes worse dur ing the rains.

Nagendra S.

Resident ‘ Riding on this stretch of the flyover is risky. I had a close shave with a goods carrier when my bike hit a bump.

We need to jam on the brakes due to the asphalting work done ‘ on it which could make us lose control over our vehicles.

Dr Sameer K.

Commuter ‘ The flyover turns into a pool in the rainy season. Its potholes are a threat to com muters. Accidents are a common sight here especially when it ‘ rains. It is a danger ous road to tread on.

It is scary.

Shyamprasad Commuter