Pattambi: The service roads on both sides of the site of the railway overbridge construction at Vadanamkurissi were opened to traffic on Tuesday afternoon. However, only two-wheelers and light vehicles are permitted at present. Larger vehicles such as buses and lorries will be allowed only after a meeting of the authorities.

Traffic at Vadanamkurissi had been completely banned a month ago for the construction of the bridge and service roads. Although the authorities had promised to complete the service roads within 10 days, the work was delayed due to rain.

Construction of the service road on one side was completed in two weeks, and the stretch was opened to traffic. However, frequent traffic blocks occurred because the road was narrow, prompting the authorities to ban the entry of heavy vehicles. Two weeks later, work on the service road on the other side was completed, and traffic was permitted from Tuesday. Cement blocks have been laid on both sides, enabling smoother vehicular movement.

For the past month, buses have had to drop off passengers on either side of the railway gate and return without crossing. Residents pointed out that traffic on the route will return to normal only when buses can cross the tracks. Meanwhile, construction of the railway overbridge is progressing rapidly, with authorities aiming to complete it within a month. The traffic congestion expected after the railway gate at Vadanamkurissi is closed permanently can only be avoided once the overbridge is ready.

Simultaneously, modernisation work on the Pattambi–Kulappully road is under way. The widening extends from near the Kulappully IPTI to Nila Hospital in Pattambi. The work, which began at the IPTI premises, has now reached the Mele Pattambi–Cherpulassery Road junction. Road development is also progressing at Vadanamkurissi and Ongalloorpadam.

“All traffic-related issues on the Pattambi–Kulappully road will be resolved once the Vadanamkurissi railway overbridge is opened and the road development is completed,” said a resident of the area.