Work commences on Obetsebi-Lamptey Interchange project

The redevelopment of the Obetsebi-Lamptey Circle in Accra into an interchange to ease traffic congestion on that corridor has started.

The first phase consists of a two-tier interchange with storm drains and culverts beneath the Graphic Road.

It will also link the Kaneshie Market to the central business district of Accra and through a loop to the Kwame Nkrumah Interchange area.

The second phase involves the widening of the road into a three-lane dual carriageway, with provision for Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) facilities.

It will also see to the widening of the Awudome Cemetery and Nii Teiko Din (Prampram Junction) roads into dual carriage lanes, as well as improvement of the Kaneshie Market Terminal.

The first phase will cost $17 million, while the entire project is estimated at $39 million.

When the Daily Graphic visited the site yesterday, contractors were seen working on the project.

The Director of the Department of Urban Roads, Mr Abass Awolu, said Queroz Galvao UK was executing the project, and that it was scheduled for completion within 18 months.

Background

The government secured a $39-million loan from a British bank, HSBC, for the upgrade of the Obetsebi-Lamptey Circle into a modern interchange and it was approved by Parliament in August 2016.

Statistics from the Ministry of Roads and Highways indicate that about 50,000 vehicles ply the stretch daily, including commuters from the Central and the Western regions.

The road, when upgraded, will also help reduce the annual flooding situation in that part of the city.

The upgrade will complement the Kwame Nkrumah Interchange when completed.

The Obetsebi-Lamptey Circle is a major roundabout that links commuters from Kaneshie to the Odorkor-Mallam road, Kaneshie to the Accra-Graphic Road and Kaneshie to the Kwame Nkrumah Interchange and the spare-parts hub of Abossey-Okai.

Traffic congestion at the circle during the rush hours has been unbearable over the years, leading to the slowing down of business.

The Obetsebi-Lamptey Interchange is among the government’s top priority projects and part of the agenda to improve road infrastructure in the country.

The contract for the design and the construction of the interchange and other ancillary works was signed in October 2016.