David Umahi, the minister of works, has proposed adding a flyover to the Abuja-Keffi Motorway in order to relieve the ongoing traffic jam on the Nyanya-Mararaba axis in Karu, Nasarawa.

This was said by Mr. Umahi on Thursday during the site inspection for the Abuja-Mararaba-Keffi Road reconstruction and rehabilitation project.

China Harbour Engineering Company Limited is in charge of the project, which falls under the Road Infrastructure Development and Refurbishment Investment Tax Credit Scheme.

Mr. Umahi asked the company to complete the remodelling in a week, stressing that it would lessen traffic congestion.

The minister stated that after the repair of the dual carriageway is completed, the 43.56 kilometre route would be tolled and equipped with numerous amenities to make travelling on it more comfortable.

“This path holds great significance. Within a year, I want you to finish the road, and we’ll toll it as soon as we do. The public-private partnership representatives are present because it will be included to the Keffi-Makurdi toll. As instructed, we will install solar lights, CCTV, and security at the service stations in this section.

“I want the project director to get in touch with the Nasarawa state governor in order to secure property within the corridor for the construction of the service station and toll gates.

“We have seven days to finish the overhaul. Please don’t bring laterite onto the road; it is stable, the pavement has been removed, and we need to replace it. Because we are using certain building materials to strengthen the asphalt and stone basis, our design will be among the best’, Mr Umahi claimed.

The minister also mentioned that there should be two construction sites for the NNPC-funded project, one of which would be in the Mararaba section. In order to prevent causing traffic disruptions, he added, the majority of the construction would take place at night.

“People will be inconvenienced if we take any action during the day because of the heavy traffic on the road. I’ll be taking part in the nighttime supervision. Because of the traffic, we are thinking of building a flyover in Mararaba.

“Therefore, I would like us to study it for seven days and then create the place. We would like to begin building a flyover there by the middle of February, Mr. Umahi stated.

The project was authorised on April 19, 2023, and it will be finished in May 2026. Work on the project began on December 20, 2023.

(NAN)