The Delta State Government has initiated urgent measures to address the persistent traffic congestion around the Otovwodo Junction Flyover construction site in Ughelli.
State Commissioner for Works (Highways and Urban Roads), Comrade Reuben Izeze, disclosed this on Tuesday while speaking with journalists during an assessment visit to the project site.
He was accompanied by representatives of Julius Berger Nigeria Limited, officials of the Ministry’s Highways and Urban Roads Department, and the Community Liaison Officer for the project.
Izeze said the visit followed numerous complaints from motorists and residents over the traffic difficulties caused by the ongoing construction, noting that Otovwodo Junction is a major transit hub for travellers across the South-South, South-East and South-West regions.
According to him, the traffic challenges have worsened due to the increasing number of haulage trucks now using the corridor to avoid the deteriorated Benin–Sapele–Warri Road.
“This route is currently carrying a heavy burden,” the Commissioner said. “It is the only viable link for travellers heading to and from Port Harcourt, Warri, Asaba, Onitsha, and even Lagos. With many haulage vehicles diverting through the Agbor–Asaba axis to avoid bad roads elsewhere, this corridor has become overstretched.”
Izeze stated that Governor Sheriff Oborevwori directed the inspection to ensure that while major infrastructure is being delivered under the MORE Agenda, citizens do not suffer undue hardship.
Read also:
- CJ reviews 1,190 awaiting trial cases across Delta custodial centres
- Delta commences 2023/2024 bursary payment to 32,028 beneficiaries
- Delta Govt cracks down on unregulated dredging to safeguard environment infrastructure
“There is a philosophy behind Governor Oborevwori’s administration,” he explained. “While delivering meaningful development, realistic reforms, opportunities for all, and enhanced peace and security, the people must not suffer unnecessarily. That is why we are here to see the situation for ourselves and proffer immediate solutions.”
During the visit, the ministry team identified an alternative route linking Okogbe Street that had previously been closed off. The Commissioner confirmed that the state government has instructed Julius Berger to reopen the access route to allow easier movement, particularly for articulated vehicles.
“We have told Julius Berger to open up this side road that was barricaded so that there will be easement, especially for lorries,” Izeze said.
He further revealed that discussions are ongoing with the construction firm on creating high barricades to prevent heavy-duty trucks from using fragile inner streets not designed to accommodate such weight, as they navigate toward the Yenagoa–Port Harcourt Expressway.
The Commissioner assured road users that the state government remains committed to mitigating disruptions caused by construction activities while accelerating the pace of work to deliver the flyover within schedule.
