Governor Oborevwori Flags Off ₦39.3 Billion Otovwodo Flyover to Resolve Ughelli Gridlock
The initiative is designed to provide a permanent solution to the persistent traffic congestion at Otovwodo Junction
Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, has performed the groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of the ₦39.3 billion Otovwodo (Ughelli) Flyover project. The initiative is designed to provide a permanent solution to the persistent traffic congestion at Otovwodo Junction, a critical intersection on the East–West Road. Speaking at the ceremony on January 12, 2026, the governor emphasized that the project is a cornerstone of his administration's infrastructure renewal drive, aimed at enhancing urban-rural connectivity and fostering inclusive economic growth.
Project Scope and Technical Specifications
The contract for the Otovwodo Flyover was awarded to Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, with a strict completion timeline of 12 months. The engineering design incorporates a multi-span reinforced concrete bridge featuring dual carriageways. Key components of the project include:
Structural Elements: A multi-span bridge deck supported by reinforced concrete piers.
Traffic Management: Modern roundabouts and associated roadworks to streamline the intersection of the East–West Road and local arterial routes.
Ancillary Works: Comprehensive drainage systems and pedestrian walkways to ensure structural longevity and safety.
Addressing Urban Pressure and Economic Growth
Ughelli has evolved into a major commercial and educational hub, leading to rapid population growth that has overwhelmed the existing road network. The Otovwodo Junction, located along the strategic East–West Road corridor, has historically been a bottleneck, resulting in significant loss of man-hours for commuters and logistics providers.
Governor Oborevwori noted that the flyover will not only reduce travel time but also improve safety by separating local traffic from high-speed transit on the federal highway. Furthermore, the project is expected to stimulate the local economy by creating thousands of direct and indirect jobs across the construction value chain, benefiting local artisans, suppliers, and engineers.
Interim Measures and Financial Commitment
Prior to the commencement of the flyover, the Delta State Government invested nearly ₦6 billion in constructing alternative routes to mitigate the impact of construction on daily commuters. These bypasses include:
Uduere Street
Okogbe Street
Oru Street
Edo Street
Royal Avenue (linking Agbarha-Otor Road)
The governor stated that these interim measures were essential to maintaining some level of traffic flow before the intensive 12-month construction phase begins. He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to prudent resource management, ensuring that the ₦39.3 billion investment delivers a durable asset that meets international engineering standards.
Conclusion
The flag-off of the Otovwodo Flyover project marks a significant shift in Delta State's approach to resolving long-standing infrastructure deficits in its secondary cities. By engaging Julius Berger and enforcing a non-negotiable one-year completion window, the Oborevwori administration aims to deliver high-impact results that align with the state’s urban renewal agenda. As work begins, residents and travelers along the East–West Road are encouraged to adhere to traffic diversions to facilitate the timely delivery of this critical infrastructure.
