The Ministry has also stationed a mobile axle load vehicle between the two bridges to assist in the enforcement of the axle load requirements.

The sector Minister, Kwasi Amoako-Attah, who disclosed this to the Daily Graphic in an interview, explained that the decision was to ensure a longer life span for the rehabilitated bridges until new ones were constructed to replace them.

Closure of two bridges

Last September, the Ghana Highways Authority (GHA) set load limits for vehicles using the two bridges to save them from further deterioration. Consequently, only vehicles weighing 20 tonnes or less are allowed to cross the bridges.

But, on November 20, 2017, the GHA, acting on the instructions of the sector minister, closed down the two bridges for major maintenance works on them.

The four-week repair/maintenance works, which cost the ministry more than GH¢4 million, has brought the bridges back to life.

Apologies

Mr Amoako-Attah said the objective was to ensure that “we do not embark on any complete closure again until new bridges have been built and also not to subject our people to such inconvenience again”.

He said as part of the measures put in place to ensure the longevity of the two bridges, the ministry would keep “an eagle eye” on both bridges and ensure routine maintenance on them.

The idea, he explained, was to ensure that the two bridges did not degenerate to a state that would warrant a complete closure again.

 Justification

Justifying the four-week total closure of the two bridges, Mr Amoako-Attah explained that the decision bordered on national security and was to avoid a “national catastrophe”, as the two bridges had long gone past their life spans.

“In November when we visited the bridges, we realised that almost all the 19 joints of each bridge were separated from the concrete slabs, with some of the slabs cracked.

“The whole superstructure of each bridge was vibrating and swinging with the slightest weight passing on them. I was amazed to see them at that state,” he said.

Commendation

He commended the chiefs and the people of the two communities and the motoring public for exercising patience and endurance during the four weeks that the bridges were closed, adding that it was a necessary evil and a move to save lives.

Mr Amoako-Attah also expressed gratitude to the Vice-President, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, and the Northern Regional Minister, Alhaji Salifu Sa-ed, for the instrumental role they played during the repair works.

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Source: Graphic.com.gh

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A statement from the Ghana Highway Authority and signed by the Ministry of Roads and Highways said only vehicles weighing up to 20 tons will be allowed to cross the bridge between 6am to 2pm each day during the period of the repair works.

[contextly_sidebar id=”97x1lYAsYdzLXRYmTt5H7FtKDalSibTp”]It has consequently advised motorists travelling to and from the Northern region to use the following alternative routes:

1. North bound (traveling from the south towards Tamale)

Route: Kumasi – Techiman – Wenchi – Sawla – Fufulso Junction – Tamale

2. South bound (traveling from Tamale towards the south)

Route: Tamale – Fufulso Junction – Sawla – Wenchi – Techiman

The authority said it will ensure it works diligently to ensure that the repair works are completed on time to ease the inconvenience the development might bring to commuters.

It noted that the bridge, “is located on the international transit corridor which serves Ghana and its landlocked neighbours and it is therefore of significant economic importance to sub-regional trade.”

The Authority further appealed to all stakeholders to cooperate with it in its quest to ensure the structural integrity of the bridge in protection of life and property.

“Motorists are advised to adhere to directional and safety signs that will be made available at appropriate locations on the corridor. As the adage, the best drivers are aware that they must beware. Let remember that safety first and normal speed meet every need,” it added.

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By: Jonas Nyabor/citfmonline.com/Ghana
Follow @jnyabor

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