Project Name: The Lattice Bridge Road project

Project objective: To create a stretch of road conforming to international specifications with respect to pavements, drains and road intersections thereby making it safe for pedestrians and enabling smooth flow of vehicles.

Time line: Completion by end June 2010

Project details: Chennai City Connect Foundation (CCCF) was looking at providing design solutions to traffic & transportation related issues which could be taken up. After a series of internal discussions, it was decided that we take up the design of a model road stretch since Chennai city has no standards for roads / pavements / traffic intersections. Taking up this would (i) help pedestrians to move safely and (ii) improve traffic flow, thereby reducing travel times.

This project was conceived as a “proof of concept” to exhibit to the citizens of Chennai a stretch of public road which would be a model road showcasing best practices in pavement design, curb design, intersections design & traffic control.

The idea was to choose a stretch of road which was crowded, commercially active, catering to all types of transport and within the city. This was discussed with the Commissioner of Chennai Corporation who identified the 500 metre stretch on Lattice Bridge Road from Shastri Nagar junction to MG Road junction (including upto 200 metres of the roads leading into these junctions). Synchorization of the traffic signals on this stretch is also being done.

Key Features:

• Continuous and pedestrian friendly footpath.
• Well designed ramps for wheel chair access.
• Islands and raised crossing for pedestrian safety.
• Utility strip along footpath for relocating utility for unobstructed footpath and landscape.
• Continuous two lanes for smooth traffic flow.
• Right turn and left turn lanes where necessary.
• Well designed bus bays for easy bus access and prevent traffic obstruction.
• Driveway controls to provide controlled access to vehicle into buildings while maintaining safety of pedestrians.
• Thermoplast paint for lane and pedestrian crossing marking for enhanced visibility and safety.
• Planned roadside parking where appropriate for bikes and cars. Plus increased, orderly parking on side streets.
• Well designed and synchronized traffic lights for pedestrian safety and better traffic flow.

Project Contacts:

Raj Cherubal