Chennai: A spate of accidents at Mappedu Junction on the Tambaram Eastern Bypass has raised concerns over the absence of basic traffic infrastructure at the busy intersection. Motorists are forced to negotiate fast-moving traffic without functioning signals, adequate lighting or a proper roundabout.The 9.3km Tambaram Eastern Bypass is a key link connecting Velachery and Perungalathur through Camp Road, while helping motorists avoid the congested Tambaram town. The road is used by thousands of vehicles, including heavy vehicles, daily.Motorists have to take risky U-turns and cross fast-moving traffic. Residents say the situation becomes more dangerous after dark as the high-mast tower light at the junction has remained defunct for months, leaving the entire intersection in darkness.“Drivers cannot clearly see vehicles approaching from the opposite side or people attempting to cross the road. Heavy vehicles speed through the bypass without slowing down, and by the time motorists notice them, it is often too late. Many of us avoid using the junction at night. A single working tower light could make a huge difference,” said R Vignesh, a resident of Mappedu.When TOI visited the spot, drainage work was underway along the bypass up to Thiruvanchery. Barricades placed for the work have narrowed the carriageway near the junction, leaving little room for vehicles to manoeuvre. Motorists also have to travel nearly 1.5km to the next signal to make a legal U-turn, prompting many to take dangerous shortcuts across the median.Traffic police officials said the bypass is still under development and that traffic signals will be made operational after the project is completed.
