Rising traffic and recurring accidents on the Thuraiyur-Musiri State Highway (SH30) have triggered calls for widening the highway.

The 28-km highway stretch from Thuraiyur to Musiri caters to motorists travelling towards the western districts, besides Kerala and Karnataka.

“The road caters to heavy traffic round-the-clock. A large number of goods vehicles use the road. But the road is just seven metres in width and should be widened to at least 10 metres with paved shoulders,” said N. Saravanan, a road safety activist and resident of Thuraiyur.

Residents complain of frequent accidents on the road and point to the recent accident near Jambunathapuram involving a car and a lorry in which four persons were killed.

“Of late, accidents have been frequent on the road, highlighting the importance of strengthening the highway stretch. But whenever accidents take place, temporary barricades are placed along the road to slow down vehicles. Or at best, speed-breakers are built,” Mr. Saravanan said.

Motorists complain of heavy jolting while traversing on the highway due to the repeated “patch work” carried out on damaged stretches. The stretch between Kannanur and Kannanurpalayam is in bad shape. A narrow culvert between Kannanurpalayam and Ponnusangampatti and the dangerous curve at Aithampatti should be straightened. Despite repeated requests, the Highways department has not bothered to widen the road yet, he said.

“Both Musiri and Thuraiyur are emerging towns. Widening the highway has been a long- pending demand,” said R. Manikandan of Musiri. Sources in the department said the issue would be studied and necessary action taken.