The Ghana Highway Authority has announced the closure of the Buipe Bridge in the Northern region to vehicular traffic and the travelling public from Friday, February 17th to Wednesday, 8th March 2017.
The development is to enable emergency repair works to be carried out on the Bridge.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, February 15 by the Minister for Roads and Highways, Kwesi Amoako Atta said:
“The Bridge will be closed from 2pm to 6am the following day and only vehicles weighing up to 20 tons will be allowed to cross the bridge between the hours of 6am to 2pm, each day during the period of the repair works.”
It has consequently advised motorists travelling to and from the Northern region to use the following alternative routes:
- North bound (travelling from the south towards Tamale)
Route: Kumasi – Techiman – Wenchi – Sawla – Fufulso Junction – Tamale
- South bound (travelling from Tamale towards the south)
Route: Tamale – Fufulso Junction – Sawla – Wenchi – Techiman
Below are excerpts of the statement:
“The Ministry recognises the strategic importance of the bridge as it facilitates the movement of goods and people to and from the northern parts of the country.
“It is also located on the international transit corridor which serves Ghana and its landlocked neighbours.
“We duly appreciate the inconveniences the closure will pose to the motoring and travelling public, and will ensure that the repair works are carried out diligently so that the works will be completed on time to ease the inconveniences associated with the works.
“We also appeal for the co-operation of all stakeholders in our quest to ensure the structural integrity of the bridge and also to protect life and property.
“Motorists are advised to adhere to directional and safety signs that will be made available at appropriate locations on the corridor. As the adage, the best drivers are aware that they must beware. Let remember that safety first and normal speed meet every need.”
