The Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Administration has called on the Federal Ministry of Power, Works and Housing to consider expanding the Abuja-Keffi Road to 10 lanes in order to tackle the traffic bottlenecks often experienced on that axis.
FCT Minister, Malam Muhammad Bello gave the advice at the partial opening ceremony of the Inner Southern Expressway (ISEX) in the Central Business District, Abuja.
Bello said that the expansion of Abuja-Keffi Road to 10 lanes with interchange bridges at critical junctions will guarantee hitch-free traffic flow in and out of Abuja city from the North-East axis of the country.
He recalled that the FCT Administration has already expanded the Kubwa and Airport roads to serve those entering into the Federal Capital City from the northern and southern parts of the country respectively.
He reiterated that the FCT Administration decided to partially open the ISEX also known as the Goodluck Jonathan Expressway to reduce the traffic gridlocks around the city centre particularly at peak periods.
The Minister disclosed that 90 percent of the ISEX project has been completed; stressing that it was in a bid to alleviate the traffic congestion being experienced within the city Centre at least by providing an alternative route to ease movement in the East-West Axis in the southern flank of the city.
Bello remarked that hitherto to commencement of the ISEX project, commuters from Abuja-Keffi axis usually experienced chaotic traffic congestion and suffered untold hardship when plying that route, with the resultant effect of extensive man-hour losses.
He emphasised that the FCT Administration funded the substantial completion of the ISEX in line with policy of the present Administration to continue with all on-going projects that will impact positively on the lives of Abuja residents and Nigerians at large.
Earlier in his address of welcome the Executive Secretary, Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), Engr. Adamu Ismaila who was represented at the occasion by the Director of Mass Housing, Engr. Umar Gambo Jibrin stated that the Inner Southern Expressway (ISEX) commences where the Abuja-Keffi road terminates by Mogadishu Barracks in Asokoro District.
He said that the road traverses the City from Phases I to IV to connect the Outer Southern Expressway (OSEX) within the precincts of Kuje township.
“The road is designed as a 2×2-lane service carriageway and 2×3-lane main carriageway, making a total of 10 lanes with four interchanges and four box culverts at various locations,” Ismaila added.
The Executive Secretary said that the scope of the project includes underground and surface storm water drainage, power supply, a pedestrian bridge, street lighting and telecommunication ducts, among others.