The urban expansion of the twin cities of Warri and Effurun needs a corresponding infrastructural development. This is what the three flyovers and road expansion projects embarked on by the Delta State Government aim at addressing. ELO EDREMODA writes on the progress of the projects, the impact on people and some expectations
Before the year is out, residents of Effurun and Warri can look forward to celebrating the completion of a landmark infrastructure programme set to transform their daily commute and unlock fresh investment opportunities. Under Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s stewardship, work is nearing its end on three flyovers and extensive road‑widening schemes that were first announced in September 2023 and officially launched two months later.
Executed by Julius Berger at a cost of N78 billion, this 27‑month initiative takes a comprehensive approach to decongesting traffic and bolstering Delta’s commercial heartland. Beginning at Enerhen Junction in Effurun, the primary flyover stretches seamlessly toward Marine Gate in Warri, threading through Uvwie and Warri South. Its elegant span will shepherd vehicles over the busiest intersections, eliminating gridlock and smoothing the flow of goods and commuters alike.
Alongside this main artery, the DSC/NPA Expressway is undergoing a dramatic makeover. Between the Effurun Roundabout and the DSC Roundabout, the highway’s lanes are being expanded and realigned, with particular emphasis on a new cloverleaf interchange adjacent to the existing Effurun flyover. This looping ramp will allow traffic to change direction without stopping, a first for the region and a bold engineering solution tailored to local travel patterns. Further reinforcing pedestrian safety, two elevated walkways in Effurun will give people a secure route across busy roads. These sleek, steel‑and‑concrete bridges will reduce jaywalking accidents and connect neighbourhoods that were once divided by highway traffic.
But the ambition does not end at Effurun. In Warri, another flyover is taking shape at the PTI Junction, lifting vehicles above the tangle of market traffic and airport‑bound shuttles. Then, at the DSC Roundabout, a third overpass is rising, poised to relieve one of the town’s most notorious pinch points. Taken together, these interconnected structures form a holistic vision for 21st‑century mobility in Delta State. By removing bottlenecks, enhancing safety, and cutting travel times, the Oborevwori administration aims not merely to build roads but to catalyse economic growth, inviting new businesses to set up shop in what will become a more accessible, inviting commercial hub.
When The Nation visited the Enerhen Junction site and the company’s yard at Osubi in Okpe Local Government Area, The construction firm refused to comment on the progress of work so far, possible challenges as well as adherence to international standard of operations.
“You can only get input from us during inspection by the government,” some workers at the site said.
Generally, stakeholders are optimistic about the unfolding development and are giving necessary support to ensure hitch-free construction work. The projects are in tandem with Governor Oborevwori’s promise “to restore the glory” of the oil city of Warri and Effurun metropolis through quality infrastructure.
Residents and road users are, however, complaining of the heavy dust and bumpy daily rides. They urge the contractor to look into the situation and make necessary amends.
Stage of projects
A road-building specialist, speaking to The Nation on condition of anonymity, confirms that Delta State’s flyover projects are nearing completion, with a December handover plausible. At PTI Junction, he observed roughly 60–65 percent progress, noting delays only where high-tension lines await relocation. The DSC Roundabout flyover is about 70 percent finished, with wedge slabs and side rails underway, while the PTI–Effurun roadway has been asphalted and stabilization works are active on the Sapele Road spur. Even one side of the pedestrian bridge near the former Golden Tulip hotel—foundation and column complete—appears 65 percent done.
While Julius Berger’s work adheres to international standards and ISO certification, the expert warned that dust suppression and upkeep of designated detours are inconsistently enforced. “They spray water sometimes,” he observed, “but not consistently as required by contract.” Imported equipment and German-sourced materials ensure high quality, he added, though maintenance covers only formally designated alternative routes.
Road users speak
Motorists, commuters and pedestrians cannot wait to start plying the roads. The Sapele/Warri Expressway, through to Effurun Roundabout, to DSC Roundabout section of the East-West Road used to be a choice route connecting Ughelli, Bayelsa, Rivers and some parts of the Southeastern states. As expected, motorists and commuters plying the route have to suffer gridlock almost every day and the peak periods are worse off.
Though the Delta State Government provided alternative routes such as the Aziza/Agbarho Road to ease traffic on the construction axis, it appears many people are not aware or chose not to use it due to insecurity.
A social commentator, Theophilus Onojeghen said: “I don’t really think people are using the alternative route because it was not well-publicised, and there are no well-defined signs to direct people. So, a lot of people flock to the construction area, thereby creating additional gridlock along that route.
Another factor why motorists do not ply the route is the fear of insecurity along the Aziza/Agbarho Road. So, motorists prefer to waste the time along the construction area rather than passing the alternative route which the state government created. That road was in a deplorable state before the construction of the flyover. Again, there are too many speed bumps on that road. The time motorists spent on that road, if you go through the construction area, you will spend almost the same amount of time. So, due to that, people prefer passing through Uvwie Town.
“I also think the contractor can do better by making the construction area motorable for people to pass. I don’t think they have done that as much as people expect. It has been predicted that there is going to be downpour in Delta; so the contractor should ensure remedial works done in that axis so that Nigerians using that route will not be subjected to much hardship.
“The Delta State Government could also embark on much publicity to sensitise road users to the alternative route available. If you are going to Agbarho, Ughelli or Benin, there are alternative routes. And also, provide security and solar streetlights along the Aziza/Agbarho Road.
On the challenges faced by road users plying the route daily, a commercial vehicle operator who identified himself as Robert, said the effect of the construction is increased transport fare.
“It makes me spend more money on maintenance and fuel. Where I am supposed to be in 10 minutes, I discover that it will take me about 40 minutes. And you know time is money,” he said.
The President-General of Uvwie Kingdom, Chief Hope Erute, stated that the projects have “no doubt, improved and are improving the economy of Uvwie, Warri, Udu and Ughievwien. The flyovers are going to address some of the issues concerning what unity can engender, rather than what divisions are already causing.”
He pointed out that to meet the surging accommodation problem, landlords began to complete their buildings and market women were and are making sales.
“We cannot over-emphasise the economic importance of the projects. We will be maximising the economic advantages once these projects are completed.
“On the other hand, there are a few construction inconveniences where we have to take alternative routes. We are taking that with understanding because that will soon be over. The community is very happy. I can foresee us getting free from traffic congestion. We pray for the governor so that he can complete this job according to schedule and do some more projects,” he said.
A businessman who deals in traditional outfit at Enerhen Junction, Pa Johnson said: “The project is good. For the past 30 years, I have been on this junction, and there has been no change. But this one is a big one. If you video this thing and send it to some of your friends abroad, even Lagos here, they would shout. Is this Enerhen Junction?”
According to him, business has not been bad either.
“For the aspect of business, it’s God. Whatever he provides for the day I am okay with it. Sales are almost the same when comparing before and now. Some days it can favour you more than even before the project started.
On his expectation at the project’s completion, Johnson said: “Persons who find it difficult to come to this junction would find it easier to come here. Some may just want to see the outcome of the project and see something they like, and patronise the business. Most people, because of the fear of keke (tricycle), don’t drive to this Enerhen Junction. Here, before you see maybe 10 vehicles, you would have seen more than 50 kekes. That used to discourage people from coming because if you are not careful, they will scratch your car. That will change!
He further advised the Delta State Government “to beautify the houses within the junction so that everything would look nice,” when the project is completed.
“Another major thing is the issue of area boys; they should look into it properly. There should be police or security patrol to scare them away so that people would not be scared to come around here in the evening. This will prevent attacks of innocent citizens under the bridge,” he said.
He added that the youth Chairman or President-General of the community should be tasked with the safety of the area “because somehow, they have power to send boys to monitor the area. Imagine as you are here, some boy snatches your phone, jumps into a keke and drives away… Those things if they can control them. God will answer Warri and bring back some companies.”
The multi-billion naira projects which have endeared the Governor to even his detractors are really coming alive and residents of Delta State are anticipating the completion of the projects. The facelift to the environment, the ease of traffic, the direct and indirect economic value and development, residents believe make the projects everyone’s pride.
