Lawrence Nwimo, Awka
The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has commended the Federal Government of Nigeria for its decision to temporary open the newly constructed Second Niger Bridge during the festive period.
The body said that the temporary opening of the 2nd Niger Bridge eased pressure of traffic on the old Niger Bridge during the yuletide season when traffic volume increased.
Sector Commander of the FRSC in Anambra State, CC Adeoye Irelewuyi, who spoke in Awka recently about the traffic situation during the festive period, said the corps anticipated an increase in traffic volume and prepared deployments and logistics towards it.
Irelewuyi noted that all the critical areas manned by the operatives of the corps have been very free, devoid of traffic congestion when compared to previous years, adding that there was a significant positive difference in traffic situation in Anambra State with the opening of the 2nd Niger Bridge.
He said the initial opening of the 2nd Niger Bridge from 15th December, 2022 to 1st January, 2023, was to allow vehicles coming from the West into the East and that from 2nd January to 15th of January, 2023, will be to allow vehicles crossing over from the East to the West.
The Anambra FRSC boss noted that traffic incidents were envisaged at places like Amansea Awka along the old Enugu Road, at Immigration Junction Awka, Oye-Agu Junction Abagana including the Bridge Head Onitsha and the entire metropolis. But he said the Command deployed about 1000 personnel to prevent traffic menace during the festive season.
Irelewuyi said about 420 special marshals were deployed and about 460 regular marshals were also deployed including vehicles and toll truck on standby at the head bridge Onitsha to remove all obstructions from the road. He said FRSC collaborated with other traffic agencies, security agencies and the Delta State Government to ensure free flow of traffic.
He said the 2nd Niger Bridge was temporarily opened to ease traffic flow and that the motoring public may return to the use of the old Niger Bridge after 15th January; that because there was an anticipated increase in traffic volume, the Honourable Minister temporarily opened it so that pressure on the old bridge would be eased.
The Sector Commander maintained that this year, the corps would intensify efforts in enforcement especially on areas of critical crash causing offenses. He said the corps would intensify efforts on enforcing speed violations, use of worn out tyres, over-loading as well as driving under the influence of alcohol.
