Motorists travelling between Mandaveli or Kapaleeswarar Temple and Luz Junction in Chennai may soon need to take a longer route due to upcoming construction work by Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL). The CMRL plans to demolish a culvert bridge situated on the main road opposite Thirumayilai MRTS station. This demolition is necessary to make way for tunnels that will be built as part of the phase-2 metro project.To replace the demolished bridge, a new bridge will be constructed nearby, redirecting vehicular traffic. The upcoming Thirumayilai metro station is a crucial interchange connecting two corridors and will feature deep tunnels reaching a depth of 35 meters. However, this station, along with the connected stations, is expected to be the last to open for public use, scheduled for 2028. The complexity of constructing the Thirumayilai station and its associated tunnels poses a significant challenge.A spokesperson from CMRL explained that the existing culvert bridge over the Buckingham Canal must be removed because its foundation pillars obstruct the path of the planned twin tunnels between Mandaveli and Thirumayilai. CMRL has obtained permission from the Greater Chennai Corporation and the Water Resource Department for this demolition. The spokesperson clarified that the tunnel boring machine will be able to cut through concrete but not steel, necessitating the removal of the reinforced concrete foundation pillars, which go as deep as 25 meters. The Buckingham Canal will not be diverted.The culvert bridge plays a crucial role in connecting Mandaveli, Mylapore, and Luz Junction. CMRL will collaborate with city traffic police to determine traffic diversion strategies and the location for building the replacement bridge that will accommodate the redirected vehicular movement.According to L Girirajan, the CMRL spokesperson, the construction process will begin with barricading in late August. This will be followed by the diversion of underground utilities, such as electricity cables, water pipes, and sewer pipelines, starting in September. The construction of the station's outer walls is set to commence in November 2023, and tunnelling operations are expected to start in October 2024. A total of six tunnel-boring machines will be used, with two being launched at Thirumayilai.Covering an area of 4854.4 square meters, the Thirumayilai station will be situated beneath the Luz Junction. It will serve as a vital interchange connecting corridor-3 from Madhavaram to Siruseri Sipcot and corridor-4 from Lighthouse to Poonamallee bypass. Apart from facilitating transfers to the existing MRTS station and MTC bus stop at Luz Corner, the station will also offer convenient access to the popular Kapaleeshwarar Temple, a significant local attraction.The construction of the Thirumayilai station poses a unique engineering challenge due to the need to excavate through rocky soil. The station design incorporates two stacked tunnels for Corridor 3 and a parallel tunnel for Corridor 4. This arrangement was devised to accommodate the narrow width of the road, as stated by officials.