Gap between flyover segments widening, motorists face unpleasant ride
The potholes on the Lalapet flyover which have not been repaired since a long time creating problems for motorists. (Photo: DC)
Hyderabad: Most of the flyovers including those at Patny, Paradise, Begumpet airport, Tarnaka and Dabeerpura, are about 10 years old and have developed a number of problems in the past few years. The gap between segments of the flyovers appear to be widening, posing a threat to commuters and also to the strength of the flyover.
Highlighters on most flyovers have been stolen and there are dangling electrical wires and potholes. Speeding commuters often come to a screeching halt at the spot where the segments are separated.
The surface finishing and wearing coat are essential components of any flyover or bridge to resist wear and tear. Expansion joints are the weakest points of the flyover. G. Shankar Narayan, urban planning expert said city flyovers are usually made of pre-stressed concrete girders made out of RCC, similar to that of Hyderabad Metro Rail. Very rarely are steel girders used, unlike in New Delhi. There is a provision of expansion in the design, they contract and expand in winter and summer.
“The bad shape of the flyovers boils down to the quality of material, construction and supervision. The Gachibowli flyover, near Nehru Outer Ring Road is well constructed, while the Telugu Talli flyover is comparatively better,” Mr Narayan said.
“It is observed that the maintaining agency lays tar on the flyover which should be done very rarely. Tar is laid mainly on main roads. Usually the surface of flyovers doesn’t get damaged soon since it is a slope and the water flows down naturally and there is no digging but city flyovers have potholes that show the quality of work,” he added.
Usually the Indian Road Congress sets the standard for roads in the country. The corporation while issuing tenders must check if the contractor follows IRC rules.
Most of the flyovers were constructed by the erstwhile Hyderabad Urban Development Authority, but their maintenance is the responsibility of the GHMC. The frequent problems are hairline cracks which are visible in Basheer Bagh, CTO junction (near Paradise), Narayanguda and Begumpet airport flyovers.
“A flyover has a railing, footpath and median. The damage occurs in the railing and footpaths mainly, while at the median electrical pools are put up. These flyovers are supported by piers and at the junction between the piers there is the joint which is a critical portion. This is the most damaged segment,” said Mr N.V .Ramana Rao, senior professor of civil engineering at JNTU.
He said the reflectors have good resale value for the metal and are stolen from the road and sold.
( Source : deccan chronicle )
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