Edo plans three flyovers in Benin to tackle gridlock

The Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has begun the construction of a flyover bridge at Ramat Park, Benin City, the state capital, as part of immediate efforts to reduce traffic congestion in the city.

The governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua, disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday.

He said Okpehbolo had assured the people that his administration would also construct two more flyover bridges at Dawson Road Junction and Sapele Road/Adesuwa Road Junction, all in Benin City.

According to him, the completion of the Ramat Park flyover in Benin will transform the economic and social fortunes of the capital city and Edo State as a whole.

The statement indicated that Okpebholo described Ramat Park as the gateway to Benin City and other parts of the country and that the construction of the bridge would provide ease of life for motorists in Benin City and commuters along the two corridors of the Benin-Auchi Expressway and Benin-Asaba Expressway.

He said: “I warmly welcome you to the ground-breaking ceremony of the construction of the Ramat Park Flyover here in Benin City.

“We have gathered to witness the beginning of a very important project that will transform the economic and social fortunes of our capital city and indeed Edo State. Ramat Park is a gateway to Benin City and other  parts of the country.

“Therefore, the Ramat Park Flyover will provide a new lease of life for motorists in Benin City and communities along these two corridors; the  Benin-Auchi Expressway and the Benin-Asaba Expressway.

“During our campaigns a few months ago, I specifically promised to construct fly-overs to ease transportation and reduce the traffic gridlock in our city. Today, one week into my administration, we are here to fulfil that promise and deliver the dividends of democracy.”

The governor said this was the first flyover his administration would be constructing and noted that more would be constructed.

“There will be one by Dawson Road junction and another by Sapele Road/Adesuwa Road junction.

“Benin City was the first capital city of Africa when the Europeans first came to the continent in the 14th Century. So, we must give the city a befitting facelift to also encourage the development of tourism.

“Let me assure Edo people that in the execution of this project, my administration will abide by all relevant laws,” the statement concluded.