Vijayawada: In a bid to curb road accidents on the Vijayawada West Bypass, the traffic police on Saturday installed barricades at key junctions near Nunna, Pathapadu and P Nainavaram villages.

The move follows increased heavy vehicle traffic on the bypass after permission was granted by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI).

Officials said accidents were frequently occurring as two-wheelers and other vehicles slow down to take left turns in the villages, while high-speed vehicles continue to access the bypass, creating hazardous conditions.

Sixth traffic police station inspector Prabhakar, along with sub-inspector Krishna, personally inspected the bypass and adjoining service roads before overseeing the installation of barricades.

Acting on the directions of NTR district police commissioner SV Rajasekhar Babu, traffic officials have intensified safety measures in the area. Notably, the service road leading to Nunna village is currently under litigation, resulting in motorists taking left turns after crossing the bridge on the Vijayawada-Nuzvid State Highway. Inspector Prabhakar advised two-wheeler riders to slow down and exercise caution while taking left turns from the bypass. He also cautioned that heavy vehicles should not enter Nunna village, as a separate local bypass is available. Strict penalties will be imposed on violators, he warned.