…flyover construction to take off soon –Olawoye
By Fisayo Akinduro & Precious Oluwole
The Ondo State Government has deployed a coordinated emergency and safety management system across major construction corridors in Akure as work intensifies on the flyover and other infrastructure projects.
The Commissioner for Infrastructure, Lands and Housing, Engr Abiola Olawoye disclosed this during an interview with WEEKEND HOPE.
He said the arrangement is designed to protect commuters, workers and residents as construction activities continue simultaneously across multiple sites.
He confirmed that construction of the Akure flyover is ongoing, stating, “You can see that we have commenced and the contractor has started working. He is working right now.”
According to him, the project spans about 2.38 kilometres, including approach ramps, while the main bridge section measures approximately 1.88 kilometres and is supported by 94 piers.
Olawoye said the government had reinforced safety deployment across the corridor in response to the scale of works and the use of heavy-duty equipment.
He disclosed that security personnel, Federal Road Safety Corps operatives and ambulance services have been stationed along the project axis to manage traffic, enforce order and respond to emergencies.
The commissioner said the measures were necessary due to the coexistence of ongoing vehicular movement and active construction operations along the same corridor.
He added that the flyover incorporates defined traffic management points, including a proposed Saint Matthias intersection, which will serve as a regulated access node to the elevated structure upon completion.
Olawoye explained, “People coming from High Court axis and heading towards FUTA who have no business around Oja-Oba will navigate to the right-hand side and return at Saint Matthias.”
He added, “We have proposed an intersection at Saint Matthias. That is where you will navigate to the flyover.”
He said provision had been made for continued ground-level movement beneath the bridge, while through-traffic would be diverted onto the flyover to improve flow and reduce congestion.
Olawoye also provided updates on other infrastructure projects in the state capital, noting that the Oke-Aro–Idanre dualisation project has achieved about 18,000 linear metres of drainage works out of 20,000 metres planned, alongside ongoing earthworks and kerb installation.
On Ijoka Road, he said, “It has started overlay. It has started asphalt, which is badder course. We have two layers on ijoka.” He added that over 2.5 kilometres had been completed on one side, with rainfall affecting progress due to technical requirements.
On the Judiciary Complex, he said, “We are done with the substructure, then we are working on the superstructure. Some of the buildings have been completed to the stage of moving.”
He noted that earlier delays were due to waterlogged sections requiring specialised foundation solutions.
Olawoye reiterated that all projects are being delivered in line with engineering specifications, stressing that safety enforcement remains integral to construction management across sites.
He added, “The flyover will be flagged off soon.”