Traffic is affected in South Delhi as one of the important flyovers has been closed – here’s why | Today’s news
The Delhi Traffic Police has closed the carriageway of the Old Rao Tula Ram (RTR) flyover connecting the IGI Airport side with Vasant Vihar till October 25 after identifying cracks at two points on the stretch, officials said on Wednesday.
Due to the blocked route, motorists traveling towards Vasant Vihar are directed to use the adjacent service road. The diversion led to slow traffic and long queues near the flyover.
The traffic police informed the Department of Public Works (OZP) about the damage and requested repairs to prevent any accidents. Repairs are underway at both locations, with officials expecting the roadway to be ready by the morning of October 26.
A traffic police official said the extent of the damage necessitated the closure of the entire road as it was not considered safe to allow vehicles to use even part of it.
To help commuters navigate the diversion, traffic police have updated Google Maps to show the service road as an alternative route and the flyover as closed. Traffic personnel have also been deployed in the area to direct vehicular movement. The department shared details of the closure and diversion through its social media channels.
OZP is carrying out repairs on the two damaged sections in coordination with the Delhi Traffic Police.
“Deterioration of concrete, visible cracks and exposure of reinforcement was observed in the gap slab section of the old RTR flyover. Due to structural problems, operations were temporarily suspended and PWD started necessary repairs and remedial work,” PTI quoted PWD officials as saying.
Repair work should be completed by tomorrow morning. Operations will resume after 48 hours of curing to ensure adequate strength development of the repaired concrete,” the official added.
Gurugram Traffic Police announces alternate routes to Delhi
The Gurugram traffic police diverted vehicles traveling from Jaipur towards Delhi on the RTR flyover towards Dhaula Kuan and directed commuters to Vasant Vihar to take alternative routes.
According to the advisory, motorists can reach Delhi via NH-48 and KMP Expressway; Narsinghpur Cloverleaf, Dwarka Expressway and UER-II; or Narsinghpur Cloverleaf, Southern Peripheral Road (SPR), Ghatta T-Point, Gwal Pahari and Mandi Border.
Other proposed routes include IFFCO Chowk–MG Road–Aya Nagar Border/Bandhwari Toll, Rajiv Chowk–Sohna–Ballabhgarh and UER-II from beyond Rajokri flyover. Commuters from Udyog Vihar have also been advised to use UER-II to reach Delhi.
The traffic police clarified that only passenger vehicles traveling to the airport should ply the NH-48 route towards Mahipalpur. Other Mahipalpur-bound motorists have been asked to use the suggested alternate routes.
“Commuters are requested to follow the designated alternate routes and follow the directions issued by the traffic police personnel. To avoid any inconvenience, plan your journey in advance and allow enough time for your journey,” the Gurugram traffic police said.
