Akufo-Addo commissions a traffic management center in Accra

General News of Saturday, August 3, 2019

Source: starrfm.com.gh

2019-08-03

The President of the Republic, Nana Addo Akufo-Addo Dankwa, has commissioned the Accra Traffic Management Center, describing it as a major step in reducing congestion in Accra, the capital of the country.

Speaking at a ceremony at the Department of Urban Roads on Friday, August 2, 2019, President Akufo-Addo said that the fluidity of traffic in cities and urban areas, as well as security on roads, are essential to the development of in the country and to strengthen the growth of key sectors of the economy.

"However, we are in a situation where the upsurge in car traffic, combined with the rapid growth of the urban population, is putting a lot of pressure on our cities' facilities, especially our road infrastructure, and is hampering productivity. That's why the Accra Traffic Management Center is such a welcome initiative, "said the President.

He continued, "The Center, the first of its kind in the country and in West Africa, will effectively coordinate the traffic light system of our capital, so as to ensure effective communications within our security system. signal lights, thus guaranteeing a much smarter means of communication. treat congestion on our roads. "

In total, forty-one (41) traffic lights have been upgraded between the Neoplan badembly plant in Achimota and the central business district of Accra. The upgrade includes the replacement of "isolated intersection controllers" traffic controllers, which could not communicate with each other, as "adaptive interconnected controllers".

This allows the controllers to communicate with each other along the corridor. With the use of detectors buried in the road, information is transmitted in real time to the traffic management center. This allows the engineers to directly observe the structure of the traffic in the corridor and to remedy any incident on the road likely to hinder the traffic.

With the Traffic Management Center, President Akufo-Addo noted that engineers can directly modify signals from the center instead of the old system, where they had to carry their tools directly to the field to make the change.

"The new system integrates the public transport system, like the Ayalolo buses, so that priority can be given to public transport at intersections," he explained.

The president also revealed that cameras are being installed to detect traffic light violations, which means that the police service will have real-time evidence to help them prosecute motorists, who jump red lights and thus contribute to mental health. on the roads.

The Accra Traffic Management Center is Phase 1 of a larger program to improve mobility and reduce congestion in the nation's capital.

"In Phase 2, we will see improvements to the rest of the two hundred and seventeen (207) intersections reported in Accra from current isolated intersections to coordinated intersections. This will include providing new traffic controllers and installing detectors at intersection points to collect vital traffic data to improve traffic in the nation's capital. " added President Akufo-Addo.

In addition to improving traffic under Phase 2 of the signage program, Beach Road twinning works from Black Star Place in Accra, through Teshie, Nungua, to Tema Community 3, will start this year.

"As part of the project, an interchange is to be built at the current Nungua Barrier. This work will be funded by the China Development Bank. The loan agreement has already been approved by the Cabinet and Parliament, "said the president.

President Akufo-Addo urged the Ministry of Roads and Highways and the Department of Urban Roads to ensure the proper maintenance of the Accra Traffic Management Center, adding that "I will pay close attention to the works of this facility" .