First Niger Bridge Closure: ARTMA Deploys Officers, Reroutes Traffic to Second Bridge

By Mary Obi

Motorists entering and leaving Onitsha are facing fresh traffic pressure following the closure of the First Niger Bridge, but the Anambra Road Traffic Management Agency (ARTMA) says it has deployed personnel and introduced diversion measures to keep vehicles moving.

ARTMA officers have been stationed at strategic locations across Onitsha, while directional signs have been installed to guide motorists towards the Second Niger Bridge and prevent gridlock along major routes.

The agency’s Managing Director, Engr. Okonkwo Emeka, popularly known as Konti, said the measures were part of efforts to ensure the free flow of traffic across Anambra State.

According to Okonkwo, ARTMA personnel have been deployed at Idemili North, around the New Parts Flyover, where motorists are being directed through Umunya Roundabout and Obosi towards the Second Niger Bridge.

Similar traffic control measures, he said, have been implemented around Upper Iweka, with motorists directed through the flyover, down Owerri Road and onward to the Second Niger Bridge.

Okonkwo described the traffic situation triggered by the closure of the First Niger Bridge as “hectic,” particularly for motorists travelling from Enugu towards Asaba.

He, however, assured road users that ARTMA was prepared to manage the increased traffic and minimise disruptions.

“We are on ground to ensure that traffic keeps moving. Our mandate is to ensure free flow of traffic across Anambra State,” Okonkwo said.

The ARTMA boss also attributed improvements in traffic management across the state to measures introduced under the administration of Governor Charles Soludo.

“Before now, going from Awka to Onitsha was a two- to three-hour trip. But now, in 30 to 35 minutes, you can drive from Awka to Onitsha,” he said.

He identified Head Bridge, Main Market, Upper Iweka, GMGS Junction and Building Materials Junction as some of the areas that previously experienced severe congestion but have recorded improved traffic flow.

On the condition of the Onitsha-Owerri Road, Okonkwo acknowledged concerns over deep potholes along some sections, saying ARTMA had engaged the Ministry of Works on the issue.

“We are aware there are bad spots along the road, and we’ve been in serious conversations with the Commissioner for Works, Architect Ifeanyi Okoma. As we speak, palliative works are ongoing there. Most of those potholes have been worked on,” he said.

Okonkwo also warned motorists against driving against traffic on dual carriageways, describing the offence as a serious violation of traffic regulations in the state.

“One-way is a no-no in Anambra State,” he declared.

He said motorists caught driving against traffic could face strict sanctions, including heavy fines and the impoundment of their vehicles for up to three months. He added that some offenders could also be referred for psychiatric assessment.

The ARTMA managing director further clarified that fines imposed for traffic violations must be paid directly into the state government’s Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) account.

“We insist everybody pays into the government account. There’s something called enforcement fee that may be paid in the office, but for your fine, you must pay into the government account,” he said.

Okonkwo said ARTMA enjoys the full backing of the Soludo administration to enforce traffic laws without favour, including against members of the governor’s family.

He added that ARTMA personnel undergo regular training to improve their professionalism and effectiveness, while officers found guilty of misconduct face disciplinary measures ranging from suspension to dismissal.

As motorists adjust to the First Niger Bridge closure, ARTMA’s diversion plan and deployment of officers are expected to remain critical to preventing a major traffic breakdown in Onitsha and adjoining routes.

#