NH 66: Kasaragod-TVM stretch to be signal-free; Jersey barrier to tackle space constraints

Thiruvananthapuram: The six-laning of National Highway 66 has been progressing and interestingly, the stretch between Thalappady in Kasaragod and Kazhakootam in Thiruvananthapuram will be signal-free. The 609-km stretch will turn into the first major road in the state without signals.

At present, signals are installed on the stretch between Kazhakootam to Mukkola, where the construction works are already over. A new overbridge will come in place of the old road from Edappally to Aroor.

Jersey barrier

The roads won’t be divided using medians. Their construction will require more space. For example, in order to construct a six-lane road with a median, an area of 60 metres is required. However, currently, the construction is progressing in an area of 45 metres and the roads will be divided using the Jersey barrier (Jersey wall, or Jersey bump). The barrier will be only 0.61 metres wide.

An advantage is that even if a vehicle crashes onto the barrier, the vehicle damage will be minimised and tends to reduce the gravity of the injury sustained by the passengers. A Jersey barrier is constructed using steel and cement.

In 2025, by travelling at a speed of 100 kmph on the NH, a vehicle would be able to reach Thiruvananthapuram from Kasaragod in a matter of 7 hours. There will be 12 toll booths on the stretch

Several underpasses shall be constructed for seamless mobility. Pedestrian walkways will also come in place.