Roads to become pedestrian-friendly
Two pedestrian refugee islands are being built at Tarnaka and Mettuguda to facilitate pedestrian crossing. Pelican traffic signals are also proposed at 10 major junctions in the city. With the pelican crossings and refugee islands, the authorities are getting their acts together for a smooth flow of traffic in the city.
Currently, pedestrian crossings at both these closed junctions are chaotic. Jay walking is the order of the day, triggering accidents. At the Tarnaka junction, where barricades are used to block the cross roads, the space is occupied by twowheelers for parking. Again, many people are found jumping the barricades to reach the other side of the road.
Though U-turn is allowed at a distance of 50 meters, there is heavy traffic. There are no zebra lines at Tarnaka and Mettaguda, resulting in unsystematic crossings near the Railway Degree College at Mettaguda.
Dr. V Ravinder , joint commissioner (traffic) said, “The islands at Tarnaka and Mettaguda have 1 feet height and 2-3 feet width. They are being built in the middle of the cross roads that has been closed. After pedestrians cross the road, they can halt at these islands. This is help curb crisscrossing. The pelican traffic signal at Mehdipatnam became operational in January 2017 and it has proved to be helpful. It has also helped reduce pedestrian accidents. Pelican traffic signals are also proposed at 10 major junctions.”