Highways Department Plans Extension of Two Key Bridges in North Chennai

The Tamil Nadu Highways Department has planned to extend two crucial bridges - Basin Bridge and the Vyasarpadi Road Over Bridge (ROB) on Erukkancheri High Road - to ease persistent traffic congestion in North Chennai.

PWD and Highways Minister Aadhav Arjuna announced the plans during the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly session. The department will initially prepare Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) for both projects, with an estimated cost of ₹20 lakh each.

Vyasarpadi ROB Extension

The 1,720-metre-long Vyasarpadi ROB, constructed at a cost of ₹88.65 crore, was taken up by the Highways Department in 2010 and was originally scheduled for completion in 2013. However, land acquisition issues delayed the project, which was finally completed in 2017.

The four-lane ROB begins at Basin Bridge Road and divides into two two-lane arms. One arm connects to Erukkancheri High Road, while the other leads towards Sathyamurthy Nagar Main Road near Kalyanapuram.

Despite the ROB improving connectivity, traffic congestion remains a major issue near Vyasarpadi Market. Vehicles approaching from Moolakadai have to enter the narrow Kalyanapuram Second Street to reach the Sathyamurthy Nagar arm. Similarly, vehicles coming from Basin Bridge face congestion after descending from the ROB and are forced to use Muthu Mudali Street to reach Erukkancheri High Road.

A senior Highways Department official said traffic congestion near Vyasarpadi Market continues throughout the day. The department will conduct field studies and a feasibility assessment before preparing the DPR. Various alignment options will also be examined for extending the existing ROB.

The proposed extension towards Madhavaram is expected to improve connectivity between Vyasarpadi, Madhavaram, Puzhal and other northern suburbs.

Basin Bridge Widening

The Basin Bridge has long been a major bottleneck for vehicles travelling from North Chennai towards Central Chennai and Broadway.

During question hour in the Assembly on April 16, 2025, Perambur MLA RD Sekar urged the government to widen the bridge, citing severe traffic congestion affecting vehicles travelling towards Central and Broadway.

The then Public Works Minister EV Velu said the government would examine whether the existing bridge could be widened or whether a new bridge would be required. He had also stated that work would be taken up if the project was found feasible.

Several traffic diversions have been implemented in the area over the years to manage congestion. Vehicles travelling from Basin Power House Road towards Mint are required to turn towards Basin Bridge-Erukkancheri High Road before taking a U-turn under the Vyasarpadi flyover.

Similarly, vehicles travelling from Vyasarpadi cannot turn right towards Basin Power House Road and must trtravel up to Moolakothalam Junction to make a U-turn. These diversions increase travel distances and add to motorists` travel time.

The Highways Department has now proposed widening the narrow bridges at Basin Bridge Junction, an important link between Korukkupet, Vyasarpadi and Central Chennai.

The GNT Road corridor connects these areas with Mint, Walltax Road and other parts of the city. However, the railway bridge, the bridge across the Cooum and the bridge across Otteri Nullah limit the road`s carrying capacity at the junction.

A DPR will be prepared to examine the widening of these structures, with the initial project preparation cost estimated at ₹20 lakh.

The proposed Basin Bridge widening and Vyasarpadi ROB extension are expected to improve traffic movement, reduce congestion and strengthen connectivity across North Chennai.