GARDNESVILLE, Montserrado – The Ministry of Public Works has instituted several new traffic control measures along Somalia Drive as construction on the major corridor continues.

Japanese firm Dai Nippon Construction was awarded the Japanese-funded contract in 2013 but halted work in 2014 due to the Ebola crisis.

Following the containment of the Ebola virus, contractors returned to resume the project.

A notice showing the new traffic pattern. Photo: Zeze Ballah

Jesefu Morris Keita, the Public Works Director for Communications and Documentation, told The Bush Chicken that as part of the measures, vehicles from Jamaica Road would not be allowed into the Somalia Drive.

Keita noted that commercial vehicles would not be allowed to stop or pick up passengers between Jamaica Road and Stockton Creek Bridge.

“These measures will help control and minimize the traffic congestion in the concentrated areas,” Keita noted.

Jesefu Morris Keita, MPW Director of Communications. Photo: Zeze Ballah

He added that there would be a 100-meter drop-off and pickup point on both sides of the road.

Keita said the measures were being implemented in order to ensure safety and security of workers, motorists, and commuters.

The ministry is urging the public to adhere to the new traffic measures, Keita said, because “heavy equipment and metals are being used by the construction company.”

New Bridge under construction alongside the old bridge on the Somalia Drive. Photo: Zeze Ballah

He said the ministry regrets any inconvenience that might arise as a result of this situation, but “the public should be aware that development comes with pain.”

Keita said the initial duration of the project was two years but because of the Ebola crisis, it would not end as originally planned.

He maintained that with the level of momentum that is unfolding at the worksite along the route, the government is hopeful that the project will be completed by 2017.

“The Somalia Drive road project is one of those big projects the government is engaged in at the moment and do not want any disruption from the public,” Keita added.

Traffic signs instructing drivers of no entry onto Somalia Drive from Jamaica Road. Photo: Zeze Ballah

He also said the total cost of the project is US$50 million.

A visit by The Bush Chicken to Somalia Drive revealed that both commercial and private drivers were not adhering to the new traffic measures.

Drivers are still dropping and picking up passengers within the restricted areas. Additionally, they are still entering onto Somalia Drive from Jamaica Road, which should not be the case.

A police officer pulling over a driver for violating the new traffic measures. Photo: Zeze Ballah

At one point, The Bush Chicken witnessed an officer of the Liberia National Police receiving bride from a driver who had violated the traffic directives.

Featured photo courtesy of Ministry of Public Works