Traffic chaos at South Usman Rd junction endangers commuters

Chennai: Commuters taking the South Usman Road via CIT Nagar to reach Nandanam pass through a 10-minute ordeal every day during peak hours at one specific intersection.Buses, autorickshaws and motorists come from all sides, leaving the intersection at South West Boag road under the T Nagar steel flyover chaotic and dangerous spot for motorists and pedestrians alike.

“The problem is worse after 7pm when several people use this stretch to get onto Anna Salai. Recently, a man fell off his scooter when a car hit him, resulting in a scuffle for more than 20 minutes,” said V Sharan, who works at a tailor shop near the junction.The problems, shopkeepers and residents say, can be rectified if a traffic signal is installed here, as the intersection sees vehicles coming in from four directions—South Usman Road, SW Boag Road, New Boag Road and CIT 1st Main Road.At present, there are three signals in the area—two on the stretch leading towards Nandanam and one on the opposite side. However, none of the signals were working when TOI visited the spot multiple times in the past week. “The signals have been defunct for years, barring select times on random days. This causes vehicles, especially two-wheelers, to move about haphazardly. People are unable to cross the road. Buses stop here for several minutes,” said Nisar, who runs an eatery on the stretch.

Residents also flagged the lack of a bus stand near the Housing Board office, further down the stretch, which adds to traffic.“The road is already narrow due to the flyover. To make matters worse, buses stop right on the middle of the road, adding to severe congestion,” Nisar added.Traffic enforcement officials were unavailable for comment. Traffic inspector (investigation) B Rithish said steps would be taken to prevent accidents at the spot and that the grievances would be conveyed to the enforcement wing.