The Akwa Ibom State government has announced the closure of several sections of the Calabar-Itu dual carriageway, starting Monday, May 20, 2024, due to ongoing excavation work. This closure is expected to significantly impact commuters traveling between Cross River and Akwa Ibom states NEGROIDHAVEN can say.
Professor Eno Ibanga, the Akwa Ibom Commissioner for Works and Fire Service, made this announcement in a statement released on Friday in Uyo. The closure is necessary to facilitate deep excavation work for the construction of an underground drainage system in the area.
“The Akwa Ibom State Government wishes to inform the general public that starting from Monday, May 20th, 2024, the Calabar-Itu dual carriageway will be closed to traffic at the Calabar-Itu Highway by Park Road intersection and the Calabar-Itu dual carriageway by Mandela Street intersection, till further notice,” Ibanga stated.
According to the Vanguard Newspapers, the closure will directly affect commuters from Cross River State, particularly those traveling to Uyo and other parts of Akwa Ibom. The Akwa Ibom government has recommended alternative routes to mitigate the inconvenience.
Operators of heavy-duty vehicles, light vehicles, minibuses, and long buses have been advised to use alternative routes. Mini buses and light vehicles should use Ikpa road through Uyo village road or Ikot Udoro Street through Enen Mkprong to Calabar-Itu highway. Heavy-duty vehicles and long buses traveling to Uyo from Cross River State should reroute through Calabar-Itu-Ibiakpan Junction in Ikot Ekpene, while those leaving Uyo for Cross River State should use Uyo-Ikot Ekpene Road to Ibiakpan Junction to link Itu-Calabar highway.
Professor Ibanga expressed regret for the inconvenience caused by this decision, emphasizing the need for public cooperation to facilitate the construction work. “While soliciting maximum cooperation of the public, the State Ministry of Works and Fire Service, on behalf of the State Government, sincerely regrets inconveniences caused by this development,” he said.
Commuters and transport operators from Cross River State are advised to plan their journeys accordingly and use the suggested alternative routes to avoid disruptions.
