By Akpokona Omafuaire & Ochuko Akuopha

UGHELLI—GOVERNOR Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State, yesterday, performed the ground-breaking ceremony for the construction of the N39.3 billion Otovwodo-Ughelli flyover project, Ughelli North Local Government Area of the state, describing it as a major milestone in his administration’s infrastructure renewal drive.

He said the project, awarded to Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, was expected to be completed within 12 months.

Speaking in Ughelli, during the flag-off of the project, Oborevwori said the timeline was  non-negotiable due to the strategic importance of the junction.

He expressed optimism that the project would be a permanent solution to the traffic congestion at one of the state’s busiest junctions.

The governor said the project aligned with his administration’s agenda of prudent resource allocation, durable road construction and the opening up of urban and rural corridors for inclusive growth.

He noted that Ughelli had witnessed rapid population growth which has placed enormous pressure on its road network, particularly at Otovwodo Junction, on the East–West Road and other major routes.

Oborevwori said the junction had become notorious for gridlock, costing commuters several productive hours daily, adding that he had personally experienced the gridlock motorists endure at the location.

He said his administration had constructed alternative routes as interim measures, including Uduere Street, Okogbe Street, Oru Street, Edo Street, Royal Avenue to link Agbarha-Otor Road, at a cost of nearly N6 billion to ease traffic before the flyover.

He explained that the project include a multi-span reinforced concrete bridge with dual carriageways, roundabouts and associated roadworks linking the East–West Road with other arterial routes, noting that it would ease congestion, reduce travel time, improve safety and boost economic activities.

Oborevwori also highlighted the job creation potential of the project, saying it would generate thousands of direct and indirect jobs across the construction value chain. He urged residents to be patient and comply with traffic directives during the construction.