I have been in this traffic snarl for several hours.Although Julius Berger is doing a good job on the reconstruction of the Oshodi-Apapa expressway, but the speed at which the construction is going on, is not what I expected. The traffic signs that should inform motorists about diversions are not clearly spelt out and if you are not familiar with the terrain, your will miss your way.
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I had to be directed by a uniformed Julius Berger staff before I could veer off the road. The Federal Roads Safety Corps, FRSC staff were there and I even thought they would arrest me for contravening the traffic regulation of plying one-way, but they did not," a motorist who identified himself as Mr. Siaka Mahmoud told Vanguard Metro yesterday.
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The chaotic traffic jam on both sides of the ever-busy Oshodi -Apapa expressway, worsened on Tuesday, mainly due to the ongoing reconstruction works on the ever- busy dual carriageway. The Federal Government had after one its Executive Council meetings in August, announced the award of the contract for the reconstruction of Section Two, Phase Two of the expressway to Messrs Julius Berger Plc. Works Minister, Mike Onolememen, an architect, explained that the reconstruction which was awarded at a cost of N15 billion, would be completed in 15 months ( a year and three months).
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"The Apapa-Oshodi Expressway is the gateway to Apapa and Tincan Island ports and parts of Trans West African Coastal Highway. It is, therefore, of immense economic importance to the country and the sub-region. The road had virtually collapsed due to age and the damaging effects of heavy axle load vehicles carrying goods to and from the ports," he said.