Oswal Investments Limited, the contractor working on the Adenta-Dodowa road project, has introduced pavement blocks at 17 major intersections as part of measures to improve durability and maintain the quality of the road.
The project is being undertaken under the government’s Big Push initiative. According to the Project Manager, Gabriel Foli, although the use of pavement blocks is more expensive, the approach is expected to help protect the intersections from damage caused by heavy traffic and frequent vehicle movements.
Speaking to JoyNews, Mr Foli explained that the intersections are exposed to significant vehicle weight and turning forces, which can cause asphalt surfaces to develop ruts.
“More often you will realize that at the intersections you will see the effect of traction and rutting, the pavement blocks can withstand and deal with that phenomenon. So that’s the reason why we preferred that at the major signalised intersections,” he said.
Mr Foli also assured motorists and residents that the contractor is making progress on the project and expects to asphalt the right-hand side of the road up to Dodowa by the end of the year.
“We want to assure road users and the public that by the close of the year, we should be able to get to Dodowa with the right-hand side asphalted,” he reiterated.
Some motorists and residents have praised Oswal Investments Limited for the pace and quality of work on the road.
One resident expressed appreciation, saying, “We thank President Mahama and the contractor (Oswal Investments Limited) for the work being done on this road. We’re really happy with how the contractor is executing the project.”
Meanwhile, Mr Foli attributed some of the dust problems along the route to the actions of motorists. He explained that some drivers avoid the existing carriageway and instead use the newly extended gravel sections, contributing to increased dust.
He said the company continues to water the road regularly to reduce the impact of dust on residents and road users.
Mr Foli further noted that the contractor has been able to manage traffic flow by keeping the other lane open while undertaking occasional repairs to maintain smooth movement.
The contractor is expected to complete one lane of the Adenta-Dodowa road by December, a development that is expected to improve traffic flow and ease congestion for commuters.
By: Prince Martey-Sogar