Salem Road traffic diversion for 10 days as storm-water drain work begins

Traffic on Salem Road between the bus stand and the bypass junction will be diverted for 10 days from Wednesday, as the municipality builds a new storm-water drain along the eastern side of the road before the heavier November rains. Town buses and heavy vehicles heading towards Salem, which already take the bypass during the day because of the underground drainage work, will now be diverted through the bypass round the clock, while vehicles coming into town from Salem may continue on the western carriageway, which will remain open in one direction. Two-wheelers and autos can use Gandhi Road and the inner streets. Police personnel will be posted at the diversion points during peak hours, from 8 am to 10.30 am and from 4.30 pm to 8 pm. Shops along the stretch will remain open, and pedestrian walkways have been barricaded for safety. Motorists are requested to allow extra travel time and follow the diversion boards. The work is expected to reduce waterlogging at the bus stand junction during heavy rain.