By Arfang M.S. Camara, Communications Officer, NRA
Ousman Sanyang, Managing Director of the National Roads Authority (NRA) has disclosed that the construction work on Bertil Harding Highway is approximately 70% complete as of the end of December 2023.
Sanyang disclosed this during a press conference held recently at NRA’s office in Bijilo.
According to him, they are working in phases and the first phase stretching from the Airport junction to Senegambia and the second phase from Senegambia to Sting Corner are progressing well. He noted that there are a few areas that they want to concentrate on for the third phase of the Bertil Harding Highway. Phase 3 aims to enhance safety as well as improve the functionality and operational performance of the road network.
The first thing, he says, is the provision of safe crossing points for pedestrians. “As you can see crossing six lanes of traffic is hard for a lot of people, even able-bodied people are finding it very difficult, much more so than the physically handicapped, and disabled people,” Mr. Sanyang remarked.
He further stated that when the current road is completed, there will be safe at-grade (i.e., at ground level) crossing points at designated locations along the road.
He adds that there are ongoing safety barriers currently being erected, and these will be provided along the length of the road to ensure pedestrians are channeled to dedicated locations where they can cross the road safely.
As part of Phase 3, he says they are considering pedestrians crossing at a different level, which includes pedestrian footbridges being provided across the road.
The construction of the service roads is also considered for Phase 3. The service roads were initially meant to be built as part of the network. These will “reduce pressure on the main road itself, and more importantly provide access to the residences and commercial activities along the Bertil Harding Highway,” Mr. Sanyangexplains.
He further stated that Phase 3 will investigate access and connectivity to provide choices for people to go to where they want to or to be able to access the road from where they are coming, which is important.