Chennai: To prevent flooding and improve connectivity, Greater Chennai Corporation and the highways department have decided to build more bridges across the Virugambakkam canal — one at Kannagi Street for ₹2.25 crore and another at Ko Su Mani Road and Thirukumaranpuram; the highways department will separately build another near Arumbakkam Metro station.GCC commissioner G S Sameeran on Thursday inspected under-construction and the completed bridges across the canal and directed officials to expedite completion ahead of the northeast monsoon. “GCC has undertaken desilting, raising retaining walls and constructing six new bridges to improve connectivity between residential areas on both sides of the canal,” he said. A ₹4.98 crore bridge at Tamilar Veedhi and one for ₹2.32 crore at Indira Gandhi 2nd Street have been completed and are open for public use, he added.GCC took ownership of the Virugambakkam Canal from water resources department last year. The canal, originating from Nerukundram, a western suburbs, has 24 bridges along its course. Of these, 11 bridges with narrow vents — 2ft wide and 5ft tall — will be demolished, as they reduce the flow from 1700 cusecs to 800 cusecs, causing backflow.The new bridges will have 8ft-high arch culverts to allow water to flow at a rate of 1300 cusecs, and will also accommodate heavy vehicles. GCC is also planning a 2.5km cut-and-cover diversion drain from Aminjikarai to Cooum River along the Poonamallee High Road.
