The Ghana Highways Authority (GHA) has completed the reconstruction of the Aklakpa Bridge in the Central Tongu District, months after its collapse disrupted movement and economic activities along the Adidome–Tsetsekpo–Juapong stretch.
The project, which began about eight months ago, has seen the full structural works, surface protection and finishing stages completed.
The engineering team is expected to demobilise from the site later this week.
Mr. Roland Appiani, the Project Engineer in charge of works, told the Ghana News Agency (GNA) during an inspection that although the bridge was fully constructed, it would remain closed to vehicular traffic until the approach roads were reconstructed to match the level of the bridge deck.
“As we speak, the construction of the bridge is completed. What is outstanding is the road connection on both sides. The deck slab of the bridge is slightly elevated above the existing road, so there must be filling and surfacing works for vehicles to drive over smoothly,” he explained.
He said the Ghana Highways Authority’s regional office would oversee the approach road works to ensure proper alignment, stability and safety for motorists.
“Until the road level is adjusted, vehicles will not be allowed to use the bridge. However, we will do minor fillings at the ends to allow safe passage for pedestrians and motorcycles. But cars cannot be used for now,” Mr. Appiani stated.
Mr. Appiani expressed satisfaction with the quality of work delivered, noting that all required strength and materials tests conducted during construction were passed successfully.
“We ensured full quality control and quality assurance. All concrete castings were tested and approved. We do not compromise standards,” he said.
He acknowledged Mr Joe Gidisu, the former Minister of Roads and Highways; Mr. Guggisberg Fiagbenu, the Assembly Member of Adidome Central Electoral Area, indicating that their immense support contributed to the smooth reconstruction work.
The Project Engineer disclosed that work on the nearby Tsetsekpo Bridge, which forms part of the same transport corridor, was also progressing steadily.
“As the Aklakpa section is completed, we are confident the Tsetsekpo Bridge will also be completed soon so that full access from Juapong to Adidome is restored,” he said.
The Government began expansion works on the Tsetsekpo Bridge following earlier concerns raised by Mr Fiagbenu and reports carried by the Ghana News Agency.
Mr. Fiagbenu welcomed the completion of the Aklakpa Bridge, describing it as a significant relief for commuters.
He said: “We are very glad that the collapsed Aklakpa Bridge has been reconstructed. This time, the bridge is wider, allowing two-way movement without vehicles stopping for each other as it was previously.
“We are grateful to the government and the engineers for their commitment.”
He said the simultaneous progress on the Tsetsekpo Bridge reflected the government’s responsiveness to the infrastructural needs of Central Tongu.
Mr Fiagbenu, also the Chairman of the Adidome–Juapong Transport Union, said the temporary alternative route used during the bridge closure increased fuel consumption and lorry fares, posing challenges to drivers and commuters.
He said that he would mobilise efforts to ease transport fares.
He appealed for the rehabilitation of the diversion route while the final approach roads to the new bridge are completed.
“We are hopeful that once this bridge becomes fully motorable, transport fares will ease. But we also ask that the alternative route be rehabilitated,” he noted.
The Aklakpa Bridge collapsed after a trailer carrying 600 bags of salt plunged, forcing residents, farmers and traders to rely on canoes and long detours to access markets, health services and schools.
The reconstruction was prioritized to restore transport and economic activities in the affected communities.
GNA
