[img]https://naijadriva.files./2018/07/phototext-1532193249157-1336365941.jpg?w=614[/img] There is increasing number of persons knocked down by vehicles in Abuja. This is as a result of lack of pedestrian bridges or the lack of use by pedestrians.
The Federal Capital Territory Administration has made efforts over the years to build pedestrian bridges on the expressway, close to places where there is increasing settlements. We observed that while some of these flashpoints do not have pedestrian bridges, others have but some pedestrians do not use them.

Firstly, we observed that there are flashpoints where people were knocked down by vehicles. These are: Zuba, NYSC junction (Kubwa), Setraco junction (Gwarinpa), Phase 3 Junction (Kubwa), Katampe junction (opposite VIO inspection centre), Area 3 junction, Mabushi, "Finance" (Wuse Zone 5), Kagini Junction (Opposite Indomie Company, Dufil) and others.

These areas listed have adjoining areas that have had population growth and people cross the highway at rush hours (morning and evening) because there is no available pedestrian bridges. Some get unlucky and get crushed!

Secondly, some of these flashpoints already have pedestrian bridges but pedestrians don’t use it due to, “it is far from the bus stop”, ” there are hoodlums on the bridges”, “it is time consuming”, ” I am tired to climb the bridge” and so on. Naijadriva witnessed an accident where a woman was crushed on Dutse (express) junction as a motorcycle who was conveying a woman from the wrong side of the road, because the woman, who could have used the pedestrian bridge some meters ahead, decided to take a “bike”.
[img]https://naijadriva.files./2018/07/phototext-15321929071871205550710.jpg?w=614[/img]

[img]https://naijadriva.files./2018/07/phototext-15320822863171652945722.jpg?w=614[/img]

An example is, sometime in 2017, a truck reportedly killed 11 persons who wanted to cross the Abuja express road in Dei Dei. Although, there is a pedestrian bridge but, trust Nigerians, they opted to risk their lives but died in the process. The government (FCTA) last year, constructed barrier net to deter pedestrians but till date, people can still be seen either crawling below the fence to cross the road or walk few meters away from the pedestrian bridge where the fence stopped so as to cross the express road.

Another example and a serious flashpoint is Banex bridge axis. There is a pedestrian bridge (1st bridge) and motor bridge (2nd bridge) here and a net fence to deter people from crossing the expressway but the fence had been destroyed at some points and now, task force (like men of K.A.I) was set up to arrest offenders but still, people still risk their lives. Anyone who plies this road would have at one time or the other, seen an accident scene.

[img]https://naijadriva.files./2018/07/phototext-1532193179414-1998922590.jpg?w=614[/img]

Another example is Mabushi bridge, which links to Wuse Market. There is need to construct a pedestrian bridge here and a bus stop, because most passengers alight here to go to Mabushi or cross to the other side to board a vehicle to their destinations.

As for Area 3 Junction, there is a pedestrian bridge which pedestrians complained that it is “too far from the junction” and “closest to Area 1 than Area 8″. I use this pedestrian bridge occasionally too and those assertions are not true but such pedestrian bridges should be constructed few meters away from the junctions for obvious reasons. This junction is dangerous.

Way Forward:
The Government should construct pedestrian bridges at Kagini Junction (opposite Indomie), Kubwa Phase three, Setraco junction (Gwarinpa), Katampe (opposite VIO Inspection Centre), Minister's Hill (well, Nixon Bridge is far from here), Area 3 Junction and other areas not mentioned here. Also, barricades should be installed on all these points mentioned and at the last resort, task force should be at these flashpoints to arrest offenders.

It is also advisable that pedestrians should use pedestrian bridges where available. It is dangerous to cross an express road (especially ” speed lane” where drivers are expected to drive at 100km/hr. Don’t try to estimate the speed of an oncoming car because a car moving at 100km/hr travels at 28meters per second. What baffles me is that I sometimes see a whole family; say father, mother and four kids, crossing the express road. This happens everyday and everywhere in Nigeria.

Where there is no pedestrian bridge close to your junction, use a motor bridge if available but walk opposite the traffic and if there is no bridge at all, let the taxi drop you at the nearest pedestrian bridge, climb and walk towards your junction (may be energy sapping but better than dying or being maimed) or take another at the side (of your junction) and take a cab to your junction. Be smart, be safe.

Source: https://naijadriva./2018/07/21/pedestrian-bridges-and-usage-in-abuja/#more-1240


What do you think? Do you make use of pedestrian bridges?

I think the major reason is lack of patient and some also consider it as stress.

Same reason why people want to always jump queue,either in ATM centers and so,Everyone just want to outsmart one another so to say,Nigerians are always angry.Evrybody wants Me First.I pray we don't haste even to the grave.

More photos (From Abuja)

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