PWD to implement various calming measures, including temporary speed breakers
Work on the elevated corridor is progressing at a rapid pace at the Porvorim end of NH-66.
Photo Credits: Agnelo Pereira
MAPUSA
The government has officially declared a stretch of National Highway-66 (NH-66), from Guirim Cross to Sangolda junction, as a construction zone for a period of 18 months due to ongoing work on the elevated corridor.
This section, including the service roads, will see the implementation of various measures aimed at ensuring the safety of motorists and commuters during the construction phase.
Executive Engineer of the PWD (NH), Jude Carvalho, explained that significant construction activity has been underway since work began on the six-lane elevated corridor. The most active portion of the project currently stretches from the vehicular underpass near Guirim Cross to Sangolda junction.
“To ensure commuter safety, temporary traffic measures like speed limits, blinkers, transverse bar markings, and temporary speed breakers will be introduced along this section,” Carvalho stated.
He added that signboards would be prominently displayed prior to the installation of the speed breakers, as directed by the contractor. The district magistrate has also announced a new traffic diversion plan to manage vehicular flow during the construction.
Vehicles heading towards Panaji will be rerouted near Mall de Goa, taking a detour via Chatrapati Shivaji statue road and then using the service road. This rerouting is part of efforts to mitigate traffic congestion while maintaining a smooth flow of vehicles.
Carvalho further elaborated that the work on the stretch from Sangolda junction to the Counto car showroom will begin during the second phase of the project.
“This is a continuous project that proceeds from both ends – Porvorim and Sangolda junction – and converges in the middle without stopping. For traffic management, we’ve divided the work into three phases,” Carvalho explained.
To accommodate local traffic during construction, a six-metre-wide space will be maintained on both sides of the highway for local buses, ambulances, and two-wheelers. Carvalho also indicated that in another fortnight, all other vehicles travelling towards Panaji will be diverted from the Guirim underpass onward to Sangolda.
As work on the elevated corridor progresses, the government and PWD are working to minimise disruption to commuters while ensuring the project is completed efficiently. This project is part of a broader infrastructure upgrade aimed at easing traffic congestion and improving connectivity in the region.
