Construction work on the Winneba Junction Interchange is causing delays, dust and difficult driving conditions for motorists and other road users along the Winneba-Accra Highway.

The project, which forms part of the government's Big Push Infrastructure Programme, is expected to improve traffic flow, enhance road safety and reduce travel time for commuters travelling between Accra, Winneba, Cape Coast, Takoradi, Kumasi and other parts of the country.

However, road users say the ongoing construction is creating significant temporary challenges, including traffic congestion, diversions, dust and rough road surfaces.

A visit to the construction site showed vehicles moving slowly through diverted sections as heavy equipment operated around the interchange.

Dust from unpaved portions of the road was also visible, affecting visibility for motorists and causing discomfort for passengers, particularly those travelling in commercial vehicles.

Commercial drivers using the route said the diversions and poor road conditions had increased their travel time and vehicle maintenance costs.

One driver, Mr Joe, said frequent exposure to the rough sections had increased the frequency of repairs to his vehicle.

“Because of the road construction, we sometimes have to repair our cars two or three times a week. The bad road is causing a lot of problems for our vehicles,” he said.

Another commercial driver said the road conditions were also affecting his ability to travel to other towns to pick up passengers.

“Because of the condition of the road, we cannot always go to other towns to pick up passengers because it causes problems for our cars,” he said.

Some passengers also expressed concern about the dusty conditions, particularly during longer journeys.

Businesses and residents located close to the construction area are also experiencing the effects of the ongoing works. Some traders said customer visits had declined because of difficulties accessing their shops.

Others, however, said they considered the disruption a temporary inconvenience that could be justified if the completed interchange delivered the expected improvements.

Safety concerns

Road safety has also emerged as a concern, with construction equipment, narrowed sections and increased traffic requiring motorists to exercise greater caution.

Road users have called for stronger measures to minimise the impact of the construction, including regular watering of dusty sections, clearer directional signs, adequate lighting at night and more effective traffic management.

Motorists have also been urged to reduce their speed, obey road signs and follow instructions from traffic officers deployed to manage traffic around the construction zone.

Despite the challenges, some commuters remain optimistic about the project's potential benefits once completed.

They expect the interchange to ease congestion, improve the movement of people and goods and contribute to a safer and more efficient road network in the Central Region.

As work continues, road users are calling for the project to be completed on schedule and for measures to be strengthened to minimise disruption and protect commuters, residents and businesses in the affected areas.