As engineers working on the restoration and expansion of the Accra–Tema Motorway investigate alternative traffic arrangements to relieve congestion caused by the ongoing works, drivers utilising the busy corridor around the Tetteh Quarshie Interchange may soon see some relief.
In an interview with Citi Eyewitness News on Monday, March 9, Kwabena Bempong, the project’s chief resident engineer, stated that talks have already taken place with the contractor to find workable solutions that might lessen the strain on commuters during construction.
The action was taken in response to the mounting annoyance of drivers who have been caught in lengthy lines following the temporary closure of portions of the road to allow engineers to install important structural elements as part of the highway expansion.
Mr. Bempong claims that the project team is conscious of the difficulties drivers face and is actively looking at alternate routes that can lessen the effects of the work on drivers.
He clarified that by continuing into the motorway, making a U-turn, and coming back to make a right turn at the Tetteh Quarshie junction to join the N4, drivers planning to make a left turn onto the N4 toward Madina may bypass the crowded roundabout.
According to Mr. Bempong, these choices are among a number of strategies being explored to lessen the stress and traffic that the area is currently experiencing.
In order to give construction workers installing beams and other concrete structures a safe working environment, the Ghana Highway Authority had previously explained that a lane on the N4 northbound highway from Accra toward Madina had been closed.
Due to this arrangement, motorists driving toward Madina are now forced to share roads with those travelling toward Accra, which causes severe traffic jams during rush hour.
The Chief Resident Engineer acknowledged that drivers have been inconvenienced by the situation, but emphasised that given the scope of the project, the disruptions are inevitable.
He stated that in order to expedite completion, contractors are scheduled to work day and night at the affected region for approximately four months.
Although Mr. Bempong expressed regret to the public for the inconvenience, he explained that the short-term suffering was an essential step in the improvement of one of the busiest road networks in the nation.
“I have had some discussions with the contractor and we want to find an alternative way of reducing the impact of our works because it is going to take some time on the current travelling public.”
“For instance if you want to do a left turn instead of going through that roundabout which is creating a lot of challenge you could go on the motorway and make a u-turn and come and make a right turn at the Tetteh Quashie and get unto the N4,” he said.
Source: newsthemegh.com