U-loops another way out

Star Report
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Underpasses and elevated U-loops (or turns) can ease gridlock at intersections as they allow vehicles to take right turns without obstructing the flow of traffic

According to a study by Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (Buet) experts, about two-thirds of the traffic remains at a standstill due to vehicles taking right turns.

The government has already undertaken a project to construct nine elevated U-loops and five underpasses.

The project worth Tk 775 crore, currently under scrutiny at the Planning Commission,
is expected to save by one-sixth, the time taken to commute.

The ride stretching from Azimpur to Gabtoli, titled Bangabandhu Memorial Corridor, will have two elevated U-loops at the heavily congested Gabtoli Bus Terminal. This will facilitate movement of buses in and out of the terminal without interrupting the traffic movement.

There will be more such loops at the Mazar Road intersection, Technical intersection,
near Shishumela, Dhanmondi-27 intersection, Kalyanpur canal and Kalabagan.

Not only these will help ease vehicles en route Mazar road, Mirpur, New Market, Shyamol, Gabtoli and Aricha, but also those driving to and from Kalyanpur, Agargaon, Rokeya Sarani, Mohammadpur, Lalmatia and Dhanmondi.

Two new underpasses at Nilkhet intersection will ensure uninterrupted flow of vehicles to and from Azimpur, Science Laboratory and Russell Square.

The Roads and Highways Department (RHD) is preparing the tender document for one U-loop to be constructed under the Kanchpur Bridge at an estimated cost of Tk two crore.

The RHD officials are also working to figure out the cost of constructing another U-loop on the eastern part of the bridge leading to Chittagong highway.

Experts find the two-way signalling system at the junction of Dhaka, Chittagong and Sylhet roads, which is around 8 km from the capital, the main reason behind the tailback.

Hundreds of passenger buses, goods-laden trucks and other vehicles from all directions face gridlock while crossing the junction every day.

Loading and unloading of goods take place on the street without caring about the traffic flow. Photo: Star

No mass transit system for a mega city leaves commuters at a loss. Photo: Star	Breaking the rule is now the rule of the day. Photo: Star	When the street is free for parking, who cares to build their own parking? Photo: Star