Kwara govt asks heavy-duty trucks to use alternative route as Moro Bridge reopens

The Kwara State Government has directed operators of heavy-duty trucks to use alternative routes following the reopening of the newly completed bypass at Moro Bridge, warning that the temporary structure is not designed to carry articulated vehicles.

The directive was issued on Saturday during an inspection of the bypass by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Works, Elder Anthony Gana Abu, who said the facility was constructed to ease movement after the collapse of the Bailey Bridge while work continues on the new Moro Bridge and the Ilorin-Igbeti Federal Highway.

Abu said the administration of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq remained committed to improving road infrastructure to support economic activities, facilitate transportation and make travel safer for commuters, farmers and businesses across the state.

He explained that the bypass was introduced as a temporary intervention to reduce the hardship experienced by road users following the bridge collapse, while efforts continue to deliver a permanent solution.

The Permanent Secretary appealed to motorists to use the bypass responsibly, stressing that heavy-duty trucks should avoid the route because it was not built to withstand the weight of articulated vehicles.

He also thanked transport unions and members of the public for their patience and cooperation during the construction period, assuring them that the government would continue to engage relevant authorities to ensure the timely completion of the ongoing bridge and highway projects.

Also speaking during the inspection, the Director of Civil Engineering in the Ministry of Works, Engr. Moshood Akanbi, called for sustained collaboration between the ministry and transport unions to ensure the proper use and maintenance of the bypass.

Representatives of transport unions commended the state government for responding swiftly to the disruption caused by the bridge collapse, describing the construction of the bypass as a timely intervention.

The State Trustee of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Mohammed Atelubo, said the temporary route had brought relief to commuters and transport operators who rely on the corridor daily.

He also lauded Governor AbdulRazaq’s leadership and appealed for the speedy completion of the Ilorin-Igbeti Federal Highway.

Similarly, the Public Relations Officer of the Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN) in Kwara State, Alhaji Soliu Omodada, praised the government’s handling of the situation and pledged the association’s support in ensuring motorists comply with the guidelines governing the use of the bypass.

He expressed optimism that construction of the new Moro Bridge would be completed soon, bringing a lasting solution to commuters and other road users.