Overloaded trucks threaten Asaba flyover

Delta State government has taken some steps to safeguard the only flyover in Asaba from imminent collapse.

This is as a result of the weight and number of overloaded trucks and other articulated vehicles that use the flyover.

The flyover is one of the landmark structures built by former governor, Dr  Emmanuel Uduaghan, in the twilight of his administration, to check the unbearable traffic logjam at the Inter Bau roundabout, Asaba.

Last week, a heavy iron bar was mounted across the government house end of the flyover to prevent heavy duty vehicles from travelling across the flyover.

The Nigerian Tribune reports that soon after the commissioning of the Utor Bridge linking Delta and Edo states and  the northern states through Asaba-Illah-Ebu Road, in October 2014, and the immediate completion of the flyover in Asaba in May 2015, more transporters decided to cut short their journeys by plying the road.

It was revealed that some trailers carrying goods weighing about 40 tonnes, instead of 30 tonnes, make use of the flyover.

According to the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Okowa, Mr. Charles Aniagwu, some of the trailers carry 900 bags instead of 600 bags of cement and this, he said, was not good enough for the durability of the flyover.

“Prevention is better than cure, we want to save life, not just the bridge alone, if the bridge collapses as a result of too much weight, you will agree it will be more disastrous, so government has taken this action in the interest of all” Mr Aniagwu said.

The governor’s aide pointed out that the failed portions of Asaba-Illah road was as a result of the heavy duty vehicles, most of them heavily overloaded.