Oyo State Adopts Concrete Pavement for Flood-Damaged Zion Plaza-Olusoji Road
IBADAN/Nigeria: The Oyo State government has opted for a concrete pavement solution to repair a section of the Zion Plaza-Olusoji Road, which links the Alao-Akala Expressway in Ibadan, following severe damage caused by flooding. The affected portion, particularly around the culvert approaches, had seen the asphalt surface deteriorate significantly.
During an inspection of the road, Chairman of the Oyo State Road Maintenance Agency (OYSROMA), Mr. Busoye Ogunlade, confirmed that the agency had completed the construction of rigid pavement at both approaches of the Olusoji cross culvert. Ogunlade highlighted the use of reinforced concrete technology as a decisive measure to prevent further damage, citing years of infrastructural neglect compounded by frequent flooding.
“The adoption of concrete roads has been tested in several states and proven to have a longer lifespan than asphaltic concrete,” Ogunlade remarked. He expressed confidence in the quality of work on the 145-metre section of the road, assuring residents that the solution provided was both robust and permanent.
Motorists, commuters, and residents were notified of the temporary closure of the road from Saturday, 28th September to Saturday, 9th November, 2024, to allow the pavement to fully cure. Ogunlade urged road users to explore alternative routes during this period, noting, “We regret any inconvenience this might cause.”
The construction process, which took two weeks, will require an additional four weeks of curing, ensuring the durability of the new pavement.
