KMA: Sofoline Interchange to be opened to traffic in October

Highway

The Sofoline Interchange being built as part of the GH¢99.6 million reconstruction of the 11.3-kilometre Kejetia-Abuakwa stretch of the Kumasi-Sunyani road is set to be opened to traffic in October this year.

Mr Kwaku Boampong, the Resident Engineer, said it is now about 80 per cent complete.

The contractors had finished with all the concrete works as well as the underground pedestrian walkways and drainage. What is left is the asphalt concrete surfacing.

The Sofoline interchange is one of the five underpasses that would be provided on the six-lane carriageway.

The road project was started in August 2007, with the initial contract sum of GH¢73 million. It is being funded by the government of Ghana.

Mr Boampong estimated the total job done by the contractors, China Geo Engineering Corporation, on the entire stretch at 64 per cent.

He said the delay in the payment of compensation to affected property owners was not helping the smooth implementation of the road project.

He, however, expressed optimism that the July next year deadline would not be missed although the contractors are three months behind schedule.

The Resident Engineer dismissed speculation that the original design of the road had been changed due to the difficulty with funding. 

The design makes provision for the construction of another interchange at KATH and five underpasses.

GNA