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Kpeshie Bridge to be rehabilitated

Rehabilitation works will begin on the Kpeshie Bridge in Accra to forestall an imminent danger to motorists.

The current condition of the bridge, which connects motorists from La to Teshie, Tema and beyond has become a source of worry to drivers.

The structural integrity of the Kpeshie Bridge is questionable, as some of the rusty iron rods are exposed. Additionally, there are cracks on some of the piers and beams, which make the bridge fragile and dangerous to use.

Incidentally, the Kpeshie Bridge is scheduled to be reconstructed along with the widening of the 16.1 kilometre La Beach road estimated to cost $96 million with part of the expected $3 billion Chinese loan.

Its current condition, according to the Director of the Department of Urban Roads (DUR), Mr Abass Mohammed Awolu, however, required an immediate remedial works to guarantee the safety of the hundreds of motorists who crossed the bridge daily.

China Water and Electric Company Limited has been contracted by the DUR to undertake the works, expected to begin in November and completed by December, this year.

Outlining the workplan of the contractors, Mr Emmanuel Degbotse, a consultant on the project, told the Minister of Roads and Highways, Alhaji Amin Amidu Sulemani, that the work would not affect vehicular flow in any significant way as a 36-meter span bailey bridge would be put on the mid-section of the Kpeshie Lagoon, while work was carried out .

Alhaji Sulemani, accompanied by the Chief Director of the ministry, Dr Daniel Darko, the Chief Executive of the Ghana Highway Authority (GHA), Mr Micheal Abbey, the Director of DUR, Mr Awolu, and the Director of Feeder Roads, Mr George Afful Aidoo, went on an inspection tour of roads in the eastern part of the capital.

According to Mr Degbotse, the contractor would use pre-cast concrete, which would only take about five weeks to complete the works.

The contractor working on the 7-kilometre Bush Road, Messrs Frandesco, appeared to have abandoned the project, as there was no work ongoing at the time of the visit. Work started on the project in 2009.

The Bush Road gives a convenient alternative to motorists avoiding the morning and evening rush hour gridlock from La to Teshie and beyond or vice versa, but its dusty nature and rough surface discourages many from that adventure.

Alhaji Sulemani said even though there were earlier challenges with funding, the contractor had been paid, and was, therefore, expected to be working.

The Bush Road, which also include other minor works, including the Zenith College, Tami, Agbawe  and Akutuso roads, is being executed at the cost of GHc16 million.

“We will invite him for a discussion and based on the outcome, we will take the appropriate decision”, he stated.

Messrs Mawum’s contract to execute the Lashibi Road, also known as Old Ada Road, has been terminated for non-performance. Instead the China Railway Wuju Corporation has been engaged by the DUR to complete the project.

The company, which began its work only this month, has 12 months to complete the GH¢8 million project.

The stretch from the Nungua Barrier towards Tema has deteriorated to such an extent that an emergency rehabilitation work is also needed to make it motorable.

That section of the road is also to be executed under the phase two of the widening of the La Beach Road.

The 16.1 kilometre La Beach project beginning from the Independence Arch to the Nungua Barrier and the Harbour Roundabout will be constructed under the first and second phases of  the project when the Chinese loan arrives.

By Naa Lamiley Bentil/Daily Graphic/Ghana

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