By Abubakar Ayishatu (UniMAC-IJ, Email: abubakarsuddiqaishat@gmail.com)
Drivers and passengers who regularly use the Klagon-Ashaiman under-bridge are once again appealing to the government for help to widen the bridge and ease heavy traffic. Commuters face daily struggles with the underbridge’s challenges, prompting urgent calls for infrastructure improvements.
The traffic congestion stems from the narrow one-way road structure, forcing vehicles from both directions to take turns passing through. This alternating traffic flow is the main cause of the ongoing congestion, making daily travel difficult for commuters relying on this vital route.
David Cudjoe, a driver who frequently uses the passage, expressed frustration. He said, “Despite numerous complaints, especially during election seasons, no effective solutions have been implemented. Police sometimes help direct traffic to prevent accidents, but a lasting solution is still needed.” Cudjoe also mentioned an abandoned tunnel that could alleviate traffic but is now unusable due to neglect.
Monica, a commuter, shared her daily struggle. “I wake up at 3 am every day to beat the traffic for work, but I still get stuck. I urge the government to help solve this long-standing issue”, she lamented.
Another major issue with the bridge is its tendency to flood during rainy weather, causing damage to vehicles passing through. Charles, a taxi driver narrated how he encountered rising floodwaters near the under-bridge after heavy rain. “After the heavy downpour, I was driving through the streets, picking up and dropping off passengers like any other day. Suddenly, as I approached the low-lying area near the under-bridge, the water level rose rapidly due to the intense rainfall. Before I knew it, my taxi was submerged in floodwater. It was a terrifying moment as I tried to stay calm and ensure the safety of my passengers. Thankfully, I managed to safely exit the vehicle with the help of others. It was a stark reminder of the challenges we face in this tunnel as drivers during the rainy season”, Charles narrated.
Originally built to connect Ashaiman with nearby towns like Klagon, Lashibi, Nungua, Teshie, Labadi, Osu, and Accra, the under-bridge has become a significant problem due to its limitations. The potential alternative tunnel mentioned by Cudjoe is far away and currently unusable.
The community urgently calls on the government to address these challenges and expedite the expansion of the under-bridge to improve transportation for everyone affected.
