Delta State governor, Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has kicked off the construction of the N59.7 billion Agbor/Uromi Junction Flyover in Agbor, Ika South local government area.
The project is a major economic and transportation link connecting the Eastern and Western parts of the Niger Delta and serves as a gateway to the North.
At the groundbreaking for the project yesterday, the governor said the dangerous intersection among vehicles, motorcycles, and pedestrians on the federal highway, coupled with poor traffic management, made a lasting solution inevitable.
He disclosed that the contract for the design and construction of the flyover had been awarded to Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, with a completion timeline of 14 months.
The project, he explained, includes a 1.3-kilometre flyover bridge along the Uromi–Agbor Highway, dual carriageways with two lanes in each direction, ramps, roundabouts, concrete drainage systems, kerbs, and solar-powered streetlights to enhance safety and sustainability.
He described the project as a critical intervention aimed at improving road safety, preserving lives, and boosting economic activities across the state and beyond.
“The flyover was conceived out of the urgent need to address persistent traffic congestion and frequent accidents at the busy Agbor/Uromi Junction. It has, over the years, claimed lives and destroyed property.
He stressed the strategic importance of the corridor, “Anyone travelling from Lagos to the East or from the East to the West must pass through this route. Its importance to the national economy cannot be overstated,” he said.
“Upon completion, the flyover would significantly enhance mobility, reduce travel time, expand economic opportunities, and safeguard the lives of thousands of Nigerians who ply the route daily.
The governor also highlighted the employment opportunities the project would generate for engineers, artisans, labourers, transporters, food vendors, and others across the construction value chain.
“The state government had injected N100 billion as a special intervention fund, allocating N4 billion each to the 25 local government areas for infrastructure development, in addition to other sectoral investments”.
He added that Ika South Local Government Area was also benefiting from other major projects, including the N15.4 billion contract awarded for 13.3 kilometres of concrete drainage systems and five kilometres of road construction to address flooding and erosion, as well as the planned N12 billion 15-kilometre Okpe–Abavo–Ekuku-Agbor Road.
The Commissioner for Works (Highways and Urban Roads), Comrade Reuben Izeze, described Governor Oborevwori as an audacious and workaholic leader, reminding the Ika Nation of the many infrastructure projects executed by the administration in the area and urged continued support for the governor in the years ahead.
Mr Frederich Weiser, who spoke on behalf of the management and Board of Directors of Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, expressed appreciation to the Delta state government for the confidence reposed in it through the award of the project.
The firm pledged to deliver the flyover to the highest standards of quality, safety, and efficiency, and to complete it on schedule with minimal disruption, drawing on its experience with similar projects across the state, including the Ughelli Flyover.
Chairman of Ika South Local Government, Engr. Jerry Ehiwarior described the flyover as a “project of destiny” and thanked Governor Oborevwori for what he called action-driven leadership, including the restoration of electricity to communities that had been without power for over 14 years.
