The Federal Government on Thursday said that the reconstruction of the Enugu-Onitsha Expressway would cost N350 billion.
The Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, made the revelation when he inaugurated the completed portions of the expressway.
He said that President Bola Tinubu had demonstrated unrivalled resolve to complete the project.
Umahi said that the Federal Government reviewed the original N202 billion contract for the road and retained part of it.
He said: “The FG further carved a 72km stretch for reconstruction using reinforced concrete pavement and this section costs about ₦150 billion.
“This section is being executed to higher durability standards similar to those used on the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway.”
The Minister said that the first 15km of the reinforced concrete section was about 97 percent completed.
Umahi added: “This section is presently being opened to traffic to ease movement during the Easter celebration.
“Another 18km stretch is under construction towards Anambra, while a separate 39km segment extending from the River Niger Bridge axis is also ongoing.”
He further said that contractors handling asphalt portions of the road had been directed to adopt the same concrete standard for the remaining 23km.
The Minister said: “This is due to longer lifespan and minimal maintenance requirements of concrete roads compared to asphalt.
“Asphalt fails over time but concrete can last between 50 and 100 years with little or no maintenance.
“Fifty percent of the entire highway would be constructed on reinforced concrete, significantly improving durability and reducing long-term costs.”
Umahi commended Tinubu for his resolve to change the infrastructural narrative of the south east, enumerating other roads being reconstructed or constructed across the zone.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the supervisors of various sections of the road commended the Federal Government for its support and pledged the completion of the project in 2026.
