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No service roads and alternative river crossings are available along the bridge sections, causing major concerns for two-wheelers.
Kerala state authorities are considering the restrictions.(Photo: Onmanorama)
No two-wheelers will be allowed at Kerala’s main carriageway of the six-lane National Highway-66.
According to the new restrictions, two-wheeler users must catch the service roads instead. The expressways in the southern state of India will be open to only the three and four-wheeler travellers.
The development raises a major complication for the two-wheeler users. Many parts of Kerala either have the service roads completely missing or inactive, undergoing remainder work. The situation is especially challenging along the bypasses, causing problems for regular travellers.
According to Mathrubhumi English, the state authorities have had to make exceptions to the new rule along the bridge sections of the main highway, where the two-wheelers can still ply their way. It would be a relief for the state residents who were facing major concerns about bridge sections that have no service roads and no alternate river crossings. In some areas, two-wheelers will still have to rely on older roads and make a switch to service roads wherever they can.
It is understood the reduction in the width of the highway from 60 metres to 45 metres, which has drastically limited the available space, is responsible for the new directives. The proposal is under consideration by the state government authorities. As per the suggestion, two-wheelers will have to use the extreme left lane of the main six-lane highway in areas with no service roads available.
Along the service roads, no dedicated bus bays have been provided. But across the 39-km Thalapady–Chengala stretch, installation of 77 compact shelters with a measurement of 4.5m by 1.8m will be made on the 2-metre-wide footpaths.
No separate lanes will be available on the service roads for two-wheelers henceforth. As part of the road surface, covered drainage slabs will be in operation. The service roads are 6.75 metres wide and can support two-way traffic.
For cycle users, the underpasses in the state will have no separate paths. Further, the entry and exit designs will undergo fresh changes. Construction of 24-metre-wide ramps is set to be approved for vehicles to enter and leave the highway, with separate location points.
