Work on Kaneshie footbridge to start soon

Rehabilitation works on the Kaneshie footbridge in Accra are set to begin this month, officials of the Ghana Highway Authority (GHA) have said. 

The GH¢ 500,000 rehabilitation project is aimed at correcting defects on the bridge, including the  faulty handrails, which were last replaced in 2009.

The  handrails  have become  weak as they have developed cracks, which has become irritating to hold for support.

The rehabilitation is also aimed at correcting loose bolts underneath the bridge and worn-out metals, which  have  made the bridge unsafe for use.

According to the Project Manager of the Bridges Maintenance Unit of the  GHA, Sheikh Aminu Abubakar, there would not be an increase in the size of the bridge but rather the  bridge would be put in better shape. 

Sheikh Abubakar, who made this known in a chat with the Daily Graphic in Accra yesterday, also said before work would commence, the GHA would visit the Kaneshie footbridge to sensitise pedestrians and market women who sold around the bridge to the work  about to take place. 

Explaining this, he stated that the sensitisation was necessary for the market women, especially those who sell around the bridge, to give them ample time to relocate before the start of work. 

Off-site 

The project, which is to last for a month, would have most of its work done off-site, Sheikh Abubakar stated. 

 He said  about 40 per cent of the job had been done because most of the parts had already been fabricated and all that would be done was for the already fabricated parts to be taken to the site to replace the worn-out parts. 

He said the rehabilitation work would also enhance the load capacity of the bridge, which would bring confidence and comfort to pedestrians. 

He added the bridge would not be closed down completely, saying that during the day, a section of the bridge would be open to pedestrians whilst the other section would be closed to be worked on.

Traffic situation 

He said most of the works would be done during the night to prevent traffic congestion in the area.