Of the 748 black spots on national highways in Tamil Nadu, extending over 6,741km, 487 were identified by the ministry of road transport and highways for removal based on accidents that took place between 2015 and 2018. “We got the nod to take up permanent rectification of 22 spots at Rs 400 crore as part of ongoing road widening projects in Chennai and Madurai regions. We plan to complete it by the end of October 2022,” said an NHAI official.
The authorities are doing studies on the rest of the accident spots to find area-specific solutions to ensure safety of pedestrians and road users. “We will take up construction of flyovers, under-passages for public vehicles and cattle and also reduce narrow curves to remove the risk factors and eliminate black spots permanently. This work is aimed at segregating the local traffic and main traffic on national highways. It will be taken up based on suggestions of stakeholders and outcome of the study,” added the official.
Of the 372 black spots to be studied, work on 69 was under progress as part of ongoing road widening projects including Chengalpet-Trichy stretch of NH 45 (new no: 32), Salem-Ulundurpet stretch of NH 79, Chennai-Tada stretch of NH 5 and Hosur-Krishnagiri stretch of NH 7. “We have sent a proposal for permanent rectification at 36 spots, while preparation of proposals is on to take up permanent measures in 252 other spots,” said an NHAI official
The agency has provided temporary measures including blinkers, road markings, signboards, rumble strips and improving lighting facilities at 151 black spots. “Work is on at 264 spots which will be considered for permanent rectification in a phased manner,” added the official.
For 2011-2014, the ministry identified 100 black spots in TN including 78 on national highways.
Source: https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/nhai-to-remove-22-black-spots-along-nhs-in-tn/articleshow/78562958.cms
