Ahmedabad: To make SG Highway signal-free, seven flyovers have already been constructed between Sarkhej and Gandhinagar. While these flyovers have helped reduce traffic congestion on the main highway, traffic bottlenecks continue to occur at signal junctions beneath the bridges. In response, authorities have taken a major decision to gradually make all junctions under the flyovers signal-free as well.

As part of a pilot project, the Palladium Mall crossroads has been selected for implementation and will remain signal-free for three days. Currently, there are two cuts beneath the bridge at this junction. These allow motorists coming from the Thaltej side to take a right turn nearly 50 metres before reaching the main junction. Similarly, commuters approaching from the Gota side can take a U-turn through an existing cut before arriving at the intersection.

Under the new traffic plan, an additional cut will be created beneath the bridge for vehicles travelling from Zydus Hospital towards Palladium Mall and the Gota side. A similar provision will also be introduced for vehicles approaching from the Thaltej side.

Officials said that a total of four cuts will be introduced to make the junction signal-free. If the pilot project succeeds in easing traffic congestion, similar measures will be implemented at other junctions along SG Highway in the coming days.

According to civic officials, the experiment will be carried out in coordination with the traffic police by restricting movement at the crossroads on a trial basis. If successful, the arrangement will be made permanent. If the experiment does not succeed, authorities will analyse the reasons and work on corrective measures.

Under the proposed changes, motorists coming from the Thaltej side and heading towards Palladium Mall will no longer be able to cross directly at the intersection. Instead, they will have to take a right turn through a newly planned cut near the High Court area, allowing them direct access to SG Highway and onward travel towards Palladium Mall. DeshGujarat