[dropcap]W[/dropcap]ith heavy gridlock being experienced at the Mokwa -Jebba road following the collapse of Tatabu bridge which serves as the link between the two towns, the Corps Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Dr Boboye Oyeyemi has called on drivers to exercise caution to ensure free movement of traffic.
The Corps Marshal gave the caution today while speaking to newsmen at the site of the ongoing reconstruction work at the bridge.
Oyeyemi expressed satisfaction with the level of cooperation between the security agencies which led to more orderly situation witnessed today as the Acting President Yemi Osinbajo was being expected to visit the scene of the collapsed bridge. The Corps Marshal further gave assurances of the commitment of the FRSC to effective traffic management, but appeals for support of members of the public, especially the road users to guarantee orderliness in the area.
On the aggressiveness of the drivers while trying to manoeuvre their way through the traffic, the Corps Marshal emphasised on the need for patience, saying it’s better to experience delays than acting in a manner that could aggravate the crisis. The FRSC Boss warned against axle load violation by articulated drivers, stressing that the Corps would henceforth be harder on the violators.
While assuring that the gridlock will ease off within the next two weeks due to effective traffic management being coordinated by the Corps and the anticipated completion work on the road, he directed that the two heavy duty tow truck deployed for prompt removal of obstruction by the FRSC would remain on ground for quick response to breakdown of vehicles.
He added that more personnel and logistics have been deployed from the neighboring commands to assist in traffic management at the route.
It would be recalled that the Tatabu bridge collapsed about a month ago, and movement of traffic from the two ends of the bridge has been greatly hampered. Towards ameliorating the sufferings of commuters, FRSC personnel have always been on ground to manage the movement of traffic and diverting some to alternative routes. As part of measures to find lasting solution to the challenge, the Acting President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo was at the scene of the collapsed bridge, where he was briefed on the ongoing reconstruction work by the contractor handling the job, the Corps Marshsl, the Minister of Power, Works and Housing.
While the Acting President appealed for more patience from the drivers, he reassured members of the public that the Federal Government is committed to timely completion of the work.