PANJIM: Motorists have complained of bumpy ride on the recently tarred Dayanand Bandodkar Marg in the State’s capital city due to the raised crosswalks, however, the Public Works Department (PWD) said that the crosswalks have been raised “deliberately” as part of ‘traffic calming’ measures and considering the ‘pedestrian safety’.
It is pertinent to note that as part of the G20 Summit preparations, the state government took up the work of tarring the arterial Dayanand Bandodkar Marg. While doing this work, the PWD appointed contractor also re-constructed crosswalks on the said road stretch wherein the crosswalks have been raised “significantly” from the tarred road.
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“The height difference between the tarred and the crosswalks is up to two-three feet which is too much. There are no sign boards indicating crosswalks on the road stretch. The ride on DB road is bumpy and uncomfortable,” Sunil Naik, a resident of Taleigao said.
“The crosswalks constructed near Francisco Luis Gomes Garden, Kala Academy and near Bal Bhavan have been raised significantly and it is extremely dangerous for motorists. There are certain road stretches in the city which are half tarred and half just left. I feel the government should look into it and take corrective steps,” Kenneth Pinto, resident of Panjim said.
Speaking to O Heraldo, Executive Engineer of PWD Eduardo Pereira said that the crosswalks are raised above the level of the road to slow traffic and to enhance crosswalk visibility.
“We have raised the level of crosswalk purposely, as it can slow traffic movement so that pedestrians cross the road with ease. These crosswalks will act as speed breakers. Increasing the level of crosswalks are part of traffic calming and for the safety of pedestrians,” Pereira said.
He said that the PWD will soon put up signboards that will indicate to the motorists about the crosswalks and pedestrian crossing on the DayanandBandodkar marg.
“The ride will be bumpy if you ride two-wheelers at high speeds, if you ride at a speed of 30 kilometre per hour then you won’t feel the bump,” the EE claimed.
Pereira roads have been half tarred because some people park their cars round the clock on the road and added that the other half of those stretches would be taken up by the respective contractors.
“We are taking assistance from the traffic police to remove parked four wheelers from the road and complete the work,” he said.
