Admin l Wednesday, December 28, 2016
LAGOS, Nigeria – The Elegushi (4th) and Jakande (5th) roundabouts undergoing reconstruction by the Lagos State Government have been temporarily opened to commuters amidst commendations from residents and travelers.
On hand to witness the opening of the two new junctions were the acting Commissioner for Transportation, Prince Anofiu Olanrewaju Elegushi, the Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Mr. Wasiu Anifowoshe and the Permanent Secretary (Transportation), Mr. Oluseyi Whenu.
Commenting, he said the immediate impact observed is the reduction in travel times on both sides of the Expressway. He added that other exponential effects such as renewed social life, improved family life and lesser pressure on vehicles are the anticipated consequences of the renovation when fully completed.
He noted that though the project is at 85% completion, the opening to traffic is both to test the original concepts that led to removal of roundabouts and the introduction of signalization and ensure chokepoints are removed and allow for the completion the other 8th Roundabout.
Elegushi, who declared that the project would impact the State’s economy through improved travel time and the attendant socio-economic benefits, also stated that provisions have been made in the coming year to ensure that other roundabout along the axis are turned around.
The acting Commissioner appealed to motorists to obey the traffic officers who have been deployed to the area adding that the signalization has been proven to be the appropriate solution to the perennial traffic on the axis. He urged pedestrians to desist from crossing the roads especially as their activities constitutes impediment to free flow of traffic. He stated too that pedestrian bridges have been provided where necessary to aid crossing.
Commenting on the project, the Managing Director of Planet Projects, Mr. Biodun Otunola, said the project targets continuous flow of traffic on both sides of the road, adding that when completed, the reduced travel time will boost the economy of the State thus increasing the Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
He assured on timely delivery of the said project adding that the 15% of the project left to undertake will be attended to promptly.
It will be recalled that the removal of the roundabouts along the axis is one of the engineering solution proffered to address the perennial traffic on the axis along with the Ajah flyover.
