Road repair works started

Salem:State Highways has started to carry out repair works on Salem-Yercaud ghat road.Works such as widening, concrete laying and removing road-side boulders to avoid land slides have been taken up. The storm water drainage system also has been toned up with concrete mix to prevent the road erosion. Road is being strengthened and widened, particularly at hairpin bends, to facilitate the vehicles to have a free manoeuvrability.

The 22 km. ghat road is being developed to take the increasing traffic load. The retention wall also is getting a facelift. Works are on to construct fresh wall at places where it had crumbled. Reflectors have also been fixed along the wall to warn motorists.The Highways has prepared a detailed estimate to the tune of Rs 6.5 crore to improve the ghat road between Kuppanur and Yercaud, which is the only alternative route to Salem-Yercaud ghat road, available to the hill station from plains. As the road is in bad shape, many prefer Salem-Yercaud road thus putting extra pressure on it.

Hence, to ensure uniform distribution of traffic to the hill station, the authorities have decided to improve this sector too.The proposal for the same has already been sent to the Government, a senior official said.They expect clearance from the Government and hope to finish the project before the onset of rain.