COIMBATORE: Nava India junction has reverted to the U-turn system after the reinstalled four-way signal system at the junction failed. Barricades have been repositioned to facilitate U-turns, and traffic personnel are being deployed to monitor the transition back to the old system during peak hours.The Coimbatore city traffic police reinstalled signals in all four directions at Nava India Junction on a trial basis on Wednesday, following several requests from politicians and motorists. However, the system inadvertently created a logistical nightmare during the signal cycle. One stream of traffic was forced to move while vehicles from the remaining three directions built up into long, stationary queues.A traffic police officer said vehicles descending from the GD Naidu flyover towards the city piled up due to the signal. Attempts to extend green light durations for city-bound traffic resulted in massive congestion for those heading out of the city. Despite various timing adjustments, traffic at the junction began to snarl. While multiple circulation patterns were tested to balance the flow, none successfully mitigated the delays.“To reduce the ongoing inconvenience to the public and ensure smoother transit for those using the flyover, we have decided to temporarily abandon the signal system. We are bringing back the old U-turn practice, which allows for a more continuous flow of movement,” the official said. For the time being, the traffic signals at Nava India remain non-operational.
