COIMBATORE: The Coimbatore corporation has launched a dedicated webpage for its junction improvement projects titled ‘Kovai Junction Transformation Programme.’ The webpage, which has been integrated into the corporation’s official website, has a detailed study on each junction, traffic flow and issues as well as the trial of junction improvements, followed by the permanent installation of roundabouts and traffic islands. Some of the locations include the District Court Complex roundabout, Lanka Corner, Tatabad 6th Corner, Sanganoor-Sivananda Colony Junction, Nallampalayam, Power House, Kurichi Pirivi, Sarada Mills Junction and Telungupalayam Junction.Each of these junctions will first undergo a site understanding process to assess land use, user behaviour, road network hierarchy and street functions. It will be followed by issue mapping to identify key problems, conflict points and operational gaps. Also, there will be data on traffic volumes, composition, pedestrian movements, trajectories, vehicle speed profiles and road safety assessments.The corporation is carrying out the assessment process in collaboration with a private consultancy, Street Matrix. After a detailed observation, the team will prepare a couple of conceptual design options for each of the selected junctions and develop detailed geometric drawings in line with standards.Reashma P S, co-founder & MD of StreetMatrix, said the team had adopted Tactical Urbanism Interventions. “After a series of trials, we monitor and record the performance and user responses. Based on the requirements, the junction is refined, and the final junction design is implemented. Also, a post-implementation report is prepared to evaluate outcomes and adapt learnings. For every junction taken up for the improvement, all these details will be uploaded on the webpage.” The district court complex junction earlier had three roundabouts and often reported a complicated traffic flow. “After a study, we have merged the roundabouts, made slight alignment modifications and currently have only two roundabouts. This is one of the successfully executed junctions. So, before and after images and traffic flow details have been uploaded on the webpage. Those in process and the stage of progress have also been updated,” Reashma said.According to a senior corporation official, nearly 40 critical junctions in the city have been identified under this programme. About 8-10 junctions are under trial run, and 3-4 junctions are expected to begin shortly. “Some of the criteria for identifying locations are based on high accident frequency, more pedestrian activity, complicated traffic movement, proximity to schools, colleges and hospitals. So, the main reason for the project is to ensure proper road safety by reducing the speed and improving pedestrian safety,” the official said.
