Chapekar flyover dangerous for motorists

PUNE: The new flyover at Chapekar chowk in Chinchwadgaon has helped ease congestion but at the same time it has proved to be an accident-prone site. In a latest, two trucks collided head on causing serious injuries to one of the drivers.
The 910 meter-long flyover has only two lanes which connects Thergaon to the old Pune-Mumbai highway. There is no median (road divider) on the narrow flyover that has a width of just 8.77 metres.The flyover was opened recently after a delay in construction for three years, during which the residents faced inconvenience.
Rajendra Bhamre, assistant commissioner of police (traffic), termed overspeeding as one of the reasons for accidents here. The traffic branch has suggested the PCMC to put up speed breakers, he said.
"Motorists need to control speed because the flyover has just two lanes which are very narrow. Speed breakers are needed 15 metres before the flyover begins on both sides. We also suggest road dividers on approach roads to the flyover to segregate vehicles," he said.
Bhamre ruled out the possibility of implementing one-way traffic on the flyover. "If it is made a one-way then it will increase traffic on the road below. Instead, the traffic branch will suggest the civic body to develop a bigger traffic island below the flyover at Chapekar chowk."
Residents also spoke about the need for road safety measures on the flyover and the approach roads. Rajiv Shinde, a resident of Chinchwad, said a median on the flyover is a necessity. Satish Jadhav, a resident of Chinchwad, said that more speed breakers are needed to reduce overspeeding. Amit Naik said, "The flyover has reduced travel time between Chinchwad and Thergaon. The motorists should maintain self-discipline to avoid accidents."
Makrand Nikam, executive engineer, engineering department, PCMC, said, "The width of the flyover is sufficient for a two-way traffic. We cannot construct a road divider as it will reduce the carriage width available for vehicles."
"The civic body has put up signs directing people not to exceed the speed limit of 30 km per hour. If we put speed breakers, heavy vehicles will not be able to drive on the flyover smoothly, resulting in traffic snarls. The best solution is that motorists do not exceed the speed limit," said Nikam.