Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Elder Sheriff Oborevwori, Monday, flagged off the construction of the Agbor/Uromi Junction Flyover in Agbor, Ika South Local Government Area of the state, amidst pomp.
At the epochal event of groundbreaking for the project, he described the project as a critical intervention aimed at improving road safety, preserving lives, and boosting economic activities across the state and beyond.
Governor Oborevwori said the flyover was conceived out of the urgent need to address persistent traffic congestion and frequent accidents at the busy Agbor/Uromi Junction, which, he noted, had, over the years, claimed lives and destroyed property.
According to him, the dangerous intersection among vehicles, motorcycles, and pedestrians on the federal highway, coupled with poor traffic management, made a lasting solution inevitable.
He disclosed that the contract for the design and construction of the flyover had been awarded to leading construction engineering company, Julius Berger Nigeria PLC, with a completion timeline of 14 months.
The project, the governor explained, includes a 1.3-kilometre flyover bridge along the Uromi–Agbor Highway, dual carriageways with two lanes in each direction, ramps, roundabouts, concrete drainage systems, kerbs, and solar-powered streetlights to enhance safety and sustainability.
Governor Oborevwori, who was accompanied by the Deputy Governor, Sir Monday Onyeme, and other top government functionaries for the groundbreaking ceremony, stressed the strategic importance of the corridor, describing it as a major economic and transportation link connecting the the Eastern and Western parts of the Niger Delta, while also serving as a gateway to the North.
“Anyone travelling from Lagos to the East or from the East to the West must pass through this route. Its importance to the national economy cannot be overstated,” he said.
He noted that upon completion, the flyover would significantly enhance mobility, reduce travel time, expand economic opportunities, and safeguard the lives of thousands of Nigerians who ply the route daily.
The governor also highlighted the employment opportunities the project would generate for engineers, artisans, labourers, transporters, food vendors, and others across the construction value chain.
Reaffirming his administration’s commitment to inclusive and balanced development, Oborevwori said the state government had injected N100 billion as a special intervention fund, allocating N4 billion each to the 25 local government areas for infrastructure development, in addition to other sectoral investments.
“As a government, we award contracts strictly on merit and competence. Excellence will always attract further patronage,” the governor assured, expressing confidence that the flyover would be completed within schedule.
Earlier, the immediate past Governor of the state Governor, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, described the Agbor/ Uromi Junction Flyover as a monumental and impactful project, commending Governor Oborevwori for sustaining continuity and translating plans into tangible development.
In his short speech earlier, In his speech the Regional Manager, Region South and East, Julius Berger Nigeria PLC, Engr. Friedrich Wieser, expressed the gratitude of the company’s Board, Management and staff for another opportunity to deliver quality infrastructure to the people of the state.
While appreciating the confidence of the Governor and the state in Julius Berger’s competence, he said, “we do not take this trust for granted. Having begun with the construction of landmark roads and flyovers in Warri and continuing the work with the flyover in Ughelli, we are eager to extend this transformation to Agbor.”
The Regional Manager disclosed that, rhe flyover is designed as a dual-lane dual carriageway and will include a connecting road network, two roundabouts and an efficient drainage system and modern solar-powered street lighting.”
