Traffic Flow Restored on Abuja-Lokoja Highway as FRSC Intervenes
After days of crippling gridlock, the Abuja-Lokoja highway has seen a significant improvement in traffic flow, thanks to the intervention of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC). By opening a second lane for traffic flow and diverting cars to use the Lokoja/Abuja lane under construction, the FRSC has managed to ease the congestion that had subjected motorists and commuters to hours of hardship.
According to Mr. Kumar Tsukwam, the FRSC Sector Commander in Kogi, the unfortunate gridlock, which began on Sunday, has been tackled through drastic measures. “We took a proactive measure by meeting with the Federal Ministry of Works and the construction companies along the route to mitigate on finding possible solutions,” he said. “Part of it is that the contractors should fast-track works and create alternative roads to ease vehicular movement.”
Tsukwam attributed the major cause of the gridlock to lane violation, indiscipline, and impatience of motorists, particularly those driving smaller vehicles. He revealed that the FRSC has deployed more personnel to the Koton-Karfe axis to enhance visibility and mitigate against traffic congestion.
In a bid to prevent a reoccurrence of the gridlock, Tsukwam appealed to motorists to display maturity and discipline while driving on the highways. The FRSC had expressed frustration over motorists’ impatience along the Abuja-Lokoja highway, which caused the traffic gridlock. Prior to the intervention, travellers were forced to endure journeys of up to ten hours between Abuja and Lokoja, a significant increase from the usual travel time.
The FRSC’s efforts have brought relief to motorists and commuters who use the Abuja-Lokoja highway regularly. The improved traffic flow is expected to reduce travel times and alleviate the economic and social impacts of the gridlock. As the FRSC continues to monitor and manage traffic on the highway, motorists are advised to exercise caution and follow traffic regulations to prevent a recurrence of the gridlock.
In the coming days, the FRSC plans to sustain its efforts to maintain smooth traffic flow on the Abuja-Lokoja highway. With the collaboration of relevant stakeholders, including the Federal Ministry of Works and construction companies, the FRSC aims to ensure that the highway remains safe and accessible to all road users.
