The newly constructed Fly overs at Edappally and Palarivattom junctions eased the traffic congestion to good extent but failed to provide total solution to the traffic congestion problem.
The traffic congestion still exists in the junction,at a level little lesser than the previous level.This is due to the continuing nature of conflicts between various streams of traffic flow at these junction especially crossing conflicts and very high demand of road opening .In order to reduce the crossing conflict another under pass,as suggested earlier will be the best available solution to handle this junction.
When the traffic flow in a junction is getting beyond control of automated traffic signal lights or round about system,fly overs are considered.The Road Junction flyovers are designed and constructed to avoid or to minimize the conflict of traffic at the junction in all directions.If the design is capable to handle all the crossing stream as well as the merging stream of conflicts exists in a junction,that would a very effective fly over.There are two basic types of flyovers simple fly overs and clover leaf type fly overs.The Newly built fly overs at Edappally junction and Palarivattom junctions need to be treated as a successful contribution to the over congested city traffic.But undoubtedly they are not offering a successful solution to the traffic congestion facing at the respective junctions.It is not due to the defect of the flyover,rather something connected to the design features.
| (Various Conflicts) |
The fly over constructed at Edappally junction and Palarivattom junctions are simple fly overs.It just provide uninterrupted stream of traffic between to busy points.The conflicts arising due to such flow only will be avoided.The other conflicts will be remaining at the junction and regulate that traffic signal lights are essential.
The other option,which provide grade separation at multi levels,and avoid all type of conflicts of traffic exists in road junction is CLOVER LEAF TYPE FLY OVERS.This is similar to a traffic round about in vehicle flow,but constructed at different level with grade separation to avoid all possible conflicts with other nature of traffic.But this type of fly overs are very costly in construction as well as need lot of land to accommodate the grade separators .
The basic difference between these two kind of fly overs are the first one require less space,that can be almost fitted to the existing space and comparatively low cost whereas the other one require large space and the construction cost will be much higher.
Issues at Edappally Fly over
The fly over constructed at Edapplly is a simple one which connect traffic between Erankulam City and Aluva Town.The other sectors of traffic flows are still facing conflicts of vehicle stream.In order to avoid such conflicts traffic signals are provided.the traffic from Vyttila direction to Aluva direction is creating heavy corridor demand,especially at peak hours.The to and fro movement through NH 66 ,also creating more pressure.All these movements creating crossing as well as Merging conflicts.The level of pedestrian intervention is also very high.The signal controlled merging traffic in the Ernakulam to Aluva stretch,from other sectors creates traffic pressure at the corridor and make it congested during peak time.As a result traffic congestion and waste of time as well as fuel burning is still experiencing at the junction ,not at the same degree experienced before construction of the flyover,but little reduced level.The present fly over is able to reduce the congestion level by 20 to 25% only.
Possible Solutions
The major issue lies in the sector Between Vehicle flow from NH66 ( Kanyakumari direction ) to Salem side of NH 544 and segment Between N paroor side to Ernakulam City direction ,in addition to the busy to and fro flow in NH66,In short two right turns and to and fro motion in the NH 66 are making issues .
One of the best available solution is to provide, a under neath grade separator between the NH 66 kanyakumari side in addition to the underneath connection of the NH 66.If such modification is possible the number of stream conflict will be reduced to great extent and the junction will be more free for traffic flow.The pedestrian movement shall be separated using elevated pedestrian crossing facility to reduced chances of conflict as well as chances of road accidents.
However presence of Edappally Canal near to the junction as well as metro over head line and the existing flyover may poise little limitations for the full fledged improvement of the junction.
In the oncoming days the congestion level at these junction may increase to alarming level due to the rate of increase in vehicular population and increasing importance of this location .If something actively not done to solve the situation,more complex time may come.
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