Nuts that secure the neoprene rubber and metal covers on the expansion joints of sections of the Mallam Interchange on the N1 Highway in Accra have become exposed, posing a threat to road safety.

The situation poses danger to motorists driving mainly from the Mallam Bus Stop end, ascending the interchange towards Awoshie Junction to Baah Yard, and beyond.

It is also prevalent on the overpass connecting the Awoshie Junction to Accra towards Sakaman Junction.

During a visit to the area last Monday, it was realised that the neoprene cover, as well as the bolts used to cover the joints, had worn out due to the frequent use of the facility.

Puncture

With the nuts exposed, drivers try to veer off the damaged portions to avoid puncturing their tyres, which poses further danger to motorists.

Some worn-out expansion joints on the Mallam Interchange

Most of the drivers who are aware of the problem use the right side when ascending the interchange, which is better than the left side.

The Daily Graphic noticed that some of the exposed nuts and metal covers had been bent.

It is clear what exactly must have caused that.

Aside from the exposure of the nuts, heaps of sand have also taken over parts of the space meant for motorists to use.

In addition, motorists travelling from Awoshie Junction toward Mallam Market have to manoeuvre over the joints, causing discomfort.

Concern

Some drivers who use the interchange, mostly from Weija and beyond, expressed concern about the state of the facility.

They believe that the situation should be dealt with as soon as possible before it gets worse.

A Kasoa-Madina commercial bus driver, Aminu Musah, said most of the time, he had to avoid driving over the exposed nuts.

His fear was that he might develop a puncture in the facility.

“Master, you would be hot if you had a puncture here,” he said.

Seth Kwami, a teacher who uses the area almost daily, said he felt the impact whenever he passed through sections of the interchange, emphasising the urgent need to address the problem for the safety of road users.

Apart from the risk of bursting his vehicle’s tyres when driving over the exposed sections, he was also concerned that the uneven nature of the stretch posed an additional safety threat.

Highways

When contacted, sources at the Ghana Highways Authority said they were aware of the problem and that an assessment had been done to that effect.

They said the exposed portions did not pose any threat to the structural integrity of the interchange.

Following the assessment, all that remains now is securing the funding and resources to repair the expansion joints.

They acknowledged the discomfort in using the facility but appealed to motorists to be cautious.

They gave a firm assurance that the problem with the expansion joints would be addressed.

Background

The Mallam Interchange is a dual-carriage loop interchange that connects two major highways at Mallam, a suburb of Accra.

It forms part of the 14.1km George Walker Bush Highway, which is a portion of the National Number One (N1) Highway.

The N1 begins at the border with  Côte d’Ivoire at Elubo and runs through the coastal towns of Takoradi, Cape Coast, Winneba, Accra and Tema to the border with Togo at Aflao.

The interchange, named after the suburb where it is located, connects the George Walker Bush Highway with the Dr Busia Highway.

The George Walker Bush Highway, named after former United States President George W. Bush, is also known as the Mallam–Tetteh Quarshie Highway because it links the suburbs of Mallam to Lapaz through to Achimota, Dzorwulu and the Tetteh Quarshie Interchange before connecting to the Accra-Tema Motorway.

The Mallam Interchange was officially opened to motorists on February 15, 2012.