New traffic arrangements introduced at Uppilipalayam flyover underpass in Coimbatore city

The Coimbatore city police have introduced new traffic arrangements at the Uppilipalayam flyover underpass to address heavy congestion that has been affecting the area.

Vehicles approaching from Uppilipalayam can use the underpass to proceed towards Mill Road and Goods Shed Road, or turn right onto Dr. Krishnaswamy Mudaliar Road, also known as Brooke Bond Road.

Vehicles travelling from Mill Road and Goods Shed Road are permitted to use only the flyover.

Vehicles entering the underpass from Dr. Krishnaswamy Mudaliar Road can turn left to join Avinashi Road or Nanjappa Road. Those proceeding towards Mill Road or Goods Shed Road must go up to the State Transport Corporation depot, take a U-turn, and return.

A regular commuter, B. Bala Sriram, said that in the absence of police personnel, some motorists took U-turns near divider openings instead of proceeding up to the depot, leading to congestion. He said the dividers should be extended up to the transport corporation depot to prevent this.

A senior traffic police official said height-restriction barriers are planned at the entry points of the underpass to prevent tall vehicles from entering. Earlier, vehicles from Mill Road and Goods Shed Road were using the underpass, but as it is narrow and lacks adequate space for left turns, congestion was frequent. The revised arrangement restricts entry from Mill Road and Goods Shed Road, with the main objective of clearing vehicle queues at Dr. Krishnaswamy Mudaliar Road, which is known for heavy traffic. The official added that the changes were being implemented on a trial basis and would be continued if traffic flow remains smooth.