No complete closure of Ballari Road for 18 months for elevated corridor work: BDA
The clarification comes amid concerns over the traffic disruption expected during the construction period.
The Bangalore Development Authority (BDA) has clarified that the Hebbal Flyover and Ballari Road corridor will not remain completely closed for 18 months to construct the elevated corridor. Instead, vehicular movement will continue with limited lane restrictions and phased traffic diversions, according to the Bengaluru Traffic Police (BTP).
The BDA's clarification came amid concerns over the expected traffic disruption during construction. The elevated corridor is part of the BDA's Integrated Tunnel and Elevated Corridor Project, which aims to ease congestion along the city's crucial northern corridor connecting Bengaluru with Kempegowda International Airport. However, the project has faced significant criticism since its announcement.
The BTP stated that restrictions would only apply to heavy vehicles between 6 a.m. and 8 p.m., while other motorists would receive "advice" to use alternative routes. Public transport vehicles and school buses would be exempt from the restrictions. The BDA noted that barricading would be limited to a 4.5-meter-wide lane, affecting one of the three existing lanes in each direction, with the remaining two lanes and the service road remaining open.
Despite this, the 4.5-meter-wide lane accounts for 35% of traffic movement, potentially worsening congestion. At least 20% of traffic will likely need to be diverted to prevent gridlock, requiring alternative routes with better conditions. The BTP has requested the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) and the BDA to asphalt these routes to ensure smooth traffic flow and prevent congestion.
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