NEW ARTISAN BRIDGE COLLAPSE: Transport Commissioner, Ozor sets up Enugu Traffic Committee
Sequel to the collapse of a bridge at New Artisan in Enugu along the Enugu-Port Harcourt Expressway, the Enugu State Commissioner for Transport, Hon. Obi Ozor has set up an Enugu Traffic Committee, saddled with the responsibility of providing a fast and effective response to the current heavy traffic flow within the metropolis.
The Commissioner, in a statement released by the Public Relations Officer of the ministry, Chinwendu Odumegwu, said the committee, to be chaired by the Commissioner for Transport, has the following as members, including representatives of other sister agencies:
- Ministry of Transport (ESTMA)
- Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC)
- The Nigerian Police (Traffic Department)
- Federal Road Maintenance Agency (FERMA)
- State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA)
- Enugu State Rural Electrification Board.
- Transport Union Heads
- SSA to the Governor on Media, Dan Nwomeh
- PRO Ministry of Transport
- Enugu State Ministry of Works
- Federal Ministry of Works
- Enugu Capital Territory Development Authority (ECTDA)
The statement said members of the traffic committee led by the Hon. Commissioner of Transport, Hon. Obi Ozor, alongside the Enigu State Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps., Corps Commander Sokunbi Adeyemi, the Commander of the Enugu State Traffic Management Agency (ESTMA), Commander Wilfred Alor, and the State Traffic Police Commander, SP Omeje on Tuesday went for a physical inspection to assess the traffic situation and to ascertain the alternative routes to ease up traffic flow within the metropolis.
It noted that the collapsed bridge had led to temporary road closures and diversions, causing significant delays.
The Commissioner however issued an advisory to motorists listing alternative routes as follows:
- Ugwuaji flyover for heavy-duty vehicles from the Port Harcourt axis of the Enugu – Port Harcourt expressway. This ensures the safety of drivers and other road users, as the alternative route is steeper and poses a lot of danger for heavy-duty vehicles.
- Ekweremadu Drive by the expressway for small vehicles from the Port Harcourt axis of the Enugu – Port Harcourt Expressway.
- Abakpa Junction through 82 Division for vehicles coming from the 9th Mile axis of the Enugu – Onitsha Expressway.
- New Haven Junction by the expressway through Upper Chime for vehicles from the Emene-Abakiliki Road axis.
Safety Precautions
▪️ The Commissioner for Transport further advised the general public to exercise caution, follow official traffic instructions, and avoid the affected area if possible, stating that:
▪️ All motorists plying the routes should be extra cautious while approaching traffic, and drive safely.
▪️ The transport operators should be considerate and mindful of the increase in traffic from heavy-duty vehicles within the metropolis.
▪️ Citizens should be mindful of the attitude and driving style of the drivers carrying them, and should not hesitate to caution them as may be necessary.
Commissioner Ozor said the committee was working assiduously to minimise the impact of the temporary road closures, while assuring the general public to avoid panic driving as the operatives of Enugu State Traffic Management Authority had been adequately deployed to the alternative routes for easy traffic flow.
Signed.
Chinwendu Odumegwu
Public Relations Officer (PRO)
Enugu State Ministry of Transport
