Chaos to greet motorists at both ends of SCLR

While the Santa Cruz-Chembur Link Road, which opens today for the public, may benefit motorists going from Chembur to the Western Express Highway, the new bridge will also lead to chaos at both ends—Chembur and Vakola.

Joint Commissioner of Police (traffic) Dr B K Upadhyay said, "I visited the SCLR on Thursday morning and we have identified four pressure spots which are likely to choke up. We will be posting traffic policemen at these four spots."

Upadhyay said they will monitor the pattern of vehicular movement and traffic for five to six days and they will decide, if there are problems, on the solutions.

The traffic chief added that two-wheelers will be allowed on SCLR initially. However, there are a few sharp curves on the bridge and if they lead to mishaps, authorities may bar bikers from using the route – like JJ flyover and Eastern Freeway.

Meanwhile, Chembur locals are concerned over rising pollution due the opening of the bridge. Dr Sandip Rane, a resident of Pestom Sagar, which is located on Eastern Express Highway and is also close to SCLR, has written to the MMRDA, complaining about increasing noise level in the area. He said the traffic has always been increasing and with the SCLR it is only going to worsen.

"We have requested the MMRDA to erect sound barriers from Amar Mahal junction to Chedda Nagar bridge junction to reduce the noise level," Rane said.