Relief has come the way of motorists and commuters as the ongoing reconstruction of the Abeokuta-Sango-Ota-Lagos Expressway by the Ogun State Government has brought about smoother movement, reduced accidents, and eased traffic congestion along the busy corridor.
It will be recalled that Governor Dapo Abiodun flagged off the reconstruction of the expressway on August 23, 2023, with an 18-month completion timeline.
Presently, five gangs are working simultaneously at different points, including Olomore, Midgad/Metroxide, Papanlanto Junction, Owode, and the Toll Gate axis. Earthwork, stone base, and drainage have been completed at many sections, while asphalt is already being laid.
Failed portions at Brewery, Obada, and Itori Junction up to Lafarge Cement Factory, Ewekoro have also been repaired and reopened for motorists, a development that road users say has drastically reduced crashes and traffic delays.
A transporter, Opeyemi Akindele, who plies the Abeokuta-Papalanto route, said the difference is already visible. “Before now, we drove one-way because the road was terrible.
Some portions were like swimming pools, but today, accidents have reduced, traffic has eased, and the road is far smoother. Our vehicles no longer break down as they used to,” he said.
Residents also shared similar experiences. Ololade Anjolaoluwa from Papalanto noted that the traffic gridlock that used to plague the axis has disappeared, while another resident, Akande Michael, commended the government for making the road safer.
“From Itori to Papalanto, the road has changed a lot. Accidents have ceased because of the reconstruction, and we commend the governor for this,” he said.
The Olu of Itori, Oba Abdul Fatai Akorede Akamo, praised Governor Abiodun for showing commitment to the project despite it being a federal road.
“This road was abandoned for years, but the governor took the bull by the horns. I have never witnessed such a governor who keeps his word and delivers,” the monarch said, adding that President Bola Tinubu has been a strong support for the state government.
With the project still ongoing, residents and transporters are urging the contractor to sustain the pace and ensure timely delivery, while also calling for a trailer park between Papalanto Junction and Lafarge Cement Plant to prevent obstruction by articulated vehicles.
