Efforts on to decongest traffic on Anna Salai

In an effort to alleviate congestion at major junctions, the Greater Chennai Traffic Police have revamped traffic arrangements on Anna Salai. The modifications aim to reduce wait times and ease the flow of vehicles. This initiative, proposed by the GCTP and the Highways Department, includes the partial closure of signals and the introduction of U-turns at key locations on Anna Salai, namely Spencer, Teynampet, Nandanam, and Saidapet. R. Sudhakar, Additional Commissioner of Police, Traffic, explained the changes: “To address the heavy traffic on Anna Salai, we have introduced U-turns at Teynampet Junction, Spencer`s Junction, and Nandanam while closing signals on roads with lower traffic volumes. This approach minimizes waiting times for motorists.” At junctions like Spencer and Nandanam, signal phases have been reduced, resulting in at least one less signal for vehicles to contend with. Median U-turn intersections have been installed to facilitate right turns and U-turns. Further adjustments include the closure of the T. Nagar signal and redirection of traffic to U-turn intersections near the Teynampet Metro station and Anna Arivalayam. The traffic police have thoroughly analyzed each signal based on traffic volume and vehicle types passing through them. As a result of these changes, the waiting time at the T. Nagar signal has decreased from six minutes to just 45 seconds. Additional alterations include making Smith Road one-way with entry from Anna Salai-Smith Road Junction, while Patullos Road has also been designated one-way. These changes are designed to improve traffic flow and reduce bottlenecks at key intersections.