CHUKA UBAH
The Federal Government has stated that the newly constructed second Niger Bridge will be ready for use by motorist during Christmas this year.
P.M.EXPRESS reports as stated by the Acting Controller of Works in Anambra, Mr. Seyi Martins, in Awka on Monday.
Martins said that the first phase of the Second Niger Bridge measuring 1.6km, had reached 95 per cent completion and will be ready for use.
The Controller said, contrary to the news making the round that the project would be ready by 2024, the projects would be ready for use for travellers during the yuletide.
According to him, President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration is determined to ensure that travellers enjoyed stress free motoring over the River Niger.
He said motorists would not be subjected to gridlock experienced on the existing bridge during yuletide this year.
“The first phase of the project, which is the bridge itself, is substantially completed.
“The bridge project is 95 per cent complete and it is expected to be ready by December 2022.
“The steel guard rails are complete, the roads are set for vehicle traffic; the toll plaza area is almost completed, and what is left is the installation of toll booth canopies,” he said.
The Controller said the bridge could be accessed from the interchange at Obosi on the Onitsha-Owerri Road and that a road is being constructed to connect traffic on the Asaba-Benin expressway to it pending the completion of the second phase.
“The second phase of the project is yet to commence, but the government has deemed it fit that upon completion of the first phase it will be opened to traffic.
“At the Onitsha end, there is an interchange at Obosi along the Onitsha – Owerri highway, where you can access the bridge.
“On the Asaba end, there is a link road we are constructing to enable travellers to access the bridge from Benin-Onitsha Road,” he said.