The Oyo state government has opened a part of the newly reconstructed Olodo bridge for residents and motorists.
Governor Seyi Makinde represented by the Commissioner for Works, Professor Daud Sangodoyin on Saturday officially opened the bridge for use saying the construction of 35.6km Iwo road – Olodo bank – Elesingodogbo–Odo-Oba (Oyo/Osun State boundary) was borne out of the passion of the current administration’s commitment to improve on road infrastructure in the state.
Governor Makinde said the state will continue to prioritize projects with potentials for expansion of the economy of the state for a modern Oyo State.
“The major features of the bridge being opened today among other works are piling works, construction of central piers, precast beams and slab, return/retaining wall, deck, parapet wall, approach slab and median.
“The pavement at the approaches of the bridge is made up of 200mm thick lateritic sub-base, 200mm thick stone base, 50mm asphaltic bind
“The surfacing is completed with road lane marking the successful completion of the first half of the bridge which will enhance movement of people, vehicles, goods and services and also serves as a link connecting Osun state
“The economic importance of this 35.6km stretch road which links Oyo State to Osun State cannot be overemphasized. The road was awarded to Messrs Peculiar Ultimate Concern Limited in September, 2022.
“The rehabilitation aspect of the road project involving the repairs of existing hydraulic structure and overlaying of the asphaltic surface had commenced in earnest after the award of the road project and is still on-going.
“However, the heavy rainfall of July 4th, 2023 in which Egberi river overflew its banks at Olodo area due to the inadequacy of the existing 3.0mx 3.0m single box culvert rendered the road impassable.
“The anguish and economic losses that the state and her citizenry incurred in the wake of the flooding were better imagined than experienced.
“The Contractor has been up and doing since the flooding incident of July, 2023 and had completed a wing of the dual carriageway bridge which we have gathered here to open today.
“It is with fulfillment and joy that I welcome you to the event of today which is a further demonstration of this administration’s commitment to the delivery of dividend of democracy to all the nooks and crannies of the state without regard to the political inclination, religious affiliation or socio-economic group of our people.”
Earlier, Engr. Adeleke Olanrewaju of Peculiar Ultimate Concern Ltd., the contractor handling the project assured that the volume of work completed is 50 percent, assuring that the full completion is expected on or before December, 2024.
