With improved security and infrastructural development came increased commercial activity in Delta State. This impacted heavily on major roads such as the Koka Ibusa Road causing heavy traffic congestion.
Being a Federal Government road, commuters and commercial drivers waited on the federal government to intervene but this was not forthcoming. The Koka Junction became a significant problem in Asaba as a journey of less than a minute lasted for hours due to traffic jams — until Governor Ifeanyi Okowa intervened.
On the 27th of January 2021, Governor Ifeanyi Okowa awarded the construction of a flyover at the Koka Ibusa/Asaba/Benin Expressway Junction to the renowned CCECC Nigeria Limited under the Ministry of Works.
The remarkable parabolic bridge consists of a 160m long 8-span flyover bridge with dual carriageways and two ramps of 137m and 133m long involving heavy-duty retaining walls on both approaches of the bridge.
In addition to this, Governor Ifeanyi Okowa expanded the existing roads along the axis of the bridges to accommodate side traffic lanes on both sides.
To ensure the uninterrupted flow of traffic throughout the construction period, a diversion was constructed on all the roads at the junction measuring 764 metres to ease movement.
The bridge is accompanied by durable solar street lights over the flyovers and the side roads to ease movements at night.
Governor Ifeanyi Okowa also constructed a network of drains and culverts for channelling water away from the bridge to increase its durability.
As the commuters and business owners enjoy uninterrupted traffic flow along the Koka/Ibusa/Benin Expressway, we are reminded of Governor Ifeanyi Okowa’s promise of building a stronger Delta.