Bengaluru: Traffic in central Bengaluru is expected to be disrupted with BBMP starting its white-topping work on Residency Road. The project — covering the 280-metre stretch from Ashirvadam Junction (near St Joseph’s PU College) to Opera Junction (near Brigade Road) — began on May 8 and is expected to continue until May 31.The work is anticipated to cause major congestion in the central business district (CBD), affecting Residency Road, Richmond Road, Convent Road, St Mark’s Road, Anil Kumble Circle, Nanjappa Circle, Hosur Road, and surrounding areas. Vehicle users are advised to plan alternative routes and allow for extra travel time.Evidence of the disruption was already seen last weekend when the CBD experienced heavy traffic congestion during rain on Saturday evening, with vehicles stuck for several minutes. Slow-moving traffic continued on Sunday evening as well.BBMP decided to undertake white-topping after the stretch, previously built under the TenderSure project, suffered from waterlogging and developed multiple potholes.Traffic police have issued an advisory about traffic arrangements to ensure smooth vehicular flow in and around the affected areas. A senior police officer explained the timing of the project: “The area has many schools. Permission was given to BBMP to carry out work because schools were on summer vacation. The timing was specifically chosen to prevent disruption to students.”Allaying concerns about potential delays affecting school-goers and worsening traffic in the area, M Lokesh, chief engineer (projects), said: “We plan to finish the work in 10-15 days. We’ll definitely stick to the deadline.”Ashok Nagar traffic inspector Seema VS has taken proactive measures to expedite the work. For example, she has asked that cement loads be increased so that work can be completed quickly, giving time for curing and other related activities. The inspector has also arranged for doubling the workforce on the project, ensuring 24×7 operations. Permission was granted only after reviewing the day-to-day work progress plan, with clear terms and conditions documented.One condition stipulates that a BBMP engineer must be present at the workplace at all times.Also, police, quoting IMD, said showers are expected only for the next couple of days, and the project won’t face any rain-related delays.In case BBMP requires additional time to complete white-topping work at the junction, police will only permit work from Saturday night through Sunday, with the road to be reopened to traffic by Monday morning.