The Elegushi (4th) and Jakande (5th) roundabouts undergoing reconstruction by the Lagos State government have been temporarily opened to commuters amid commendations from residents and commuters.
On hand to witness the opening of the two new junctions were the acting commissioner for transportation, Anofiu Olanrewaju Elegushi; commissioner for physical planning and urban development, Wasiu Anifowoshe, and permanent secretary, Ministry of Transportation, Oluseyi Whenu.
Commenting, Elegushi said the immediate impact observed was the reduction in travel times on both sides of the expressway, saying that other exponential effects such as renewed social life, improved family life and lesser pressure on vehicles were the anticipated consequences of the renovation when fully completed.
He noted that though the project was at 85 percent completion, the opening to traffic was both to test the original concepts that led to the removal of roundabouts and the introduction of signalisation and ensure choke points were removed and allowed for the completion the other eight roundabouts.
Elegushi, who said the project would impact the state’s economy through improved travel time and the attendant socio-economic benefits, also stated that provisions had been made in the coming year to ensure that other roundabouts along the axis were turned around.
He appealed to motorists to obey the traffic officers deployed to the area, adding that the signalisation had been proven to be the appropriate solution to the perennial traffic on the axis.
He urged pedestrians to desist from crossing the roads, especially as their activities constitute impediment to free flow of traffic, saying too that pedestrian bridges had been provided where necessary to aid crossing.
Commenting on the project, Biodun Otunola, managing director, Planet Projects, said “the project targets continuous flow of traffic on both sides of the road,” adding that when completed, the reduced travel time would boost the economy of the state thus increasing the Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
He assured on timely delivery of the project, as the 15 percent of the project left to undertake would be attended to promptly.
It would be recalled that the removal of the roundabouts along the axis was one of the engineering solution proffered to address the perennial traffic on the axis along with the Ajah flyover.
