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Repair works on the damaged expanded joints of the Atomic Junction overpass in the Greater Accra Region is progressing steadily.
The Madina-Accra bound section has been completed while work on the PRESEC -Madina portion is underway.
The repairs involve the replacement of the worn-out metals used between the joints with Bituminous plugged joints, which are flexible materials that allows for smooth transit without any bumping effect.
The repairs is being undertaken by the Bridge Maintenance Unit (BMU) of the Ghana Highway Authority (GHA) between 8pm to 6am daily, to ensure it did not obstruct vehicular traffic.
When The Ghanaian Times visited the site at 9pm Sunday evening, the workers were busily removing the worn-out metals and preparing the surface materials in order to seal off with the surface materials.
The Technical Manager of MC-Baudemie Gh Limited, Technology providers for the project, Patrick Akoto, indicated that the bituminous materials currently used was a German technology that allowed for the expansion and contraction of the joints without inconveniencing motorists.
The Project Supervisor, Nii Nortey Owuo, assured that everything possible would be done to undertake an efficient job that would stand the test of time.
Two weeks ago, the GHA announced a temporary closure and diversion of the Atomic Junction overpass in Accra from October 3 to 22, 2024, for the repair of the exposed expansion joints.
The release stated that the temporary closure and diversion will take place from 8 pm to 6 am daily within the period, from October 3 to 22.
The GHA said the coverings of the expansion joints at the Atomic Junction Flyover, which connects Adentan, Madina to Legon on the N4 highway had come off, creating discomfort and fear when driving on that part of the stretch, because of the sounds that the tyres of vehicles make when they pass over the joints on the flyover situated on the Legon-Madina Road.
The expansion joints allow the concrete to naturally expand and contract without cracking to prevent stress and cracking, and also ensure the longevity of bridges and reduce the need for costly repairs.
The Minister of Roads and Highways , Francis Asenso-Boakye, on October 2, this year, after a duty tour of some roads in Accra, announced that the materials to be used for the repairs have arrived and directed the Bridge maintenance unit of the GHA to deploy to fast track the work without inconveniencing road users.
He urged the travelling public to bear with the managers of the project while efforts are being made to make travelling smooth for them.
BY LAWRENCE VOMAFA-AKPALU
