Accra-Kumasi Expressway to feature 8 interchanges, 55 bridges, 11 overpasses

Engineer Francisco, Managing Director of Accra-Kumasi Expressway Limited, has unveiled details of the ambitious new highway connecting Accra and Kumasi. The roadway will encompass 8 grade-separated interchanges, 11 vehicle overpasses, and 55 mainline bridges, all designed to enhance road safety and alleviate traffic congestion. The project, spanning 198.7 kilometers between Ablekuma and Sewua, will feature a 176-kilometer expressway and 23 kilometers of upgraded connectors at both ends.

The mainline will be a high-capacity Class A highway, boasting a three-lane dual carriageway and a design speed of 120 km/h. The accompanying connector roads will have a lower speed limit of 60 km/h, classifying them as Class B roads. In addition to the interchanges and bridges, the highway will incorporate nine at-grade intersections and 200 reinforced concrete box culverts.

Four service areas will be strategically placed along the route to cater to motorists' needs, such as rest, dining, and vehicle maintenance. The expressway will also boast eight tolling locations, one operating center, and two monitoring centers to facilitate efficient traffic management and incident response. The infrastructure will include essential facilities like a fire service and ambulance station, three maintenance depots, road safety systems, and electromechanical components to support an intelligent transport system.

By its completion, the highway is anticipated to reduce the distance between Accra and Kumasi by approximately 50 kilometers, cut journey times by 50 percent, and slash travel costs by around 40 percent. Engineer Francisco emphasized that the new roadway would offer a safer and more reliable mode of transport, thereby lessening the burden on the existing N6 route.