A technical survey of safety aspects conducted on the Alick Nkhata Flyover Bridge by the Engineering Institute of Zambia – EIZ has proven that the bridge is not a death trap despite it having some safety concerns which have to be addressed.
The Alick Nkhata flyover bridge which was constructed as a cost of US$2 million is a project set up by the Public Service Pensions Fund Board – PSPFB with the objective of facilitating safe crossing of the pedestrians traffic that will be generated by the shopping complex which is currently being built around the area.
There have been concerns from residents and motorists around the city terming the bridge a “Death Trap”, sentiment was was re-affirmed and amplified by Permanent Secretary in the ministry of local government, Ed Chomba.
But EIZ President Eng. Eugene Haazele says the structure integrity of the bridge is not in question and that the bridge is not a death trap as it is still a contraction site which is only meant to enhance pedestrian safety.
Addressing the media in Lusaka on February 10, 2020, attended by the Zambian Business Times – ZBT, Eng. Haazele said during the easement of the flyover bridge it was noted that the site is highly constrained and there are space limitations hence the project owners are advised to put in place mitigating measures against lack of space and improve pedestrian safety and enhance aesthetics.
Eng. Haazele added that there is also limitation of visibility for a motorist driving over the bridge impacted by the high slope as the slope of the ramps for the bridge is 10.5% and the slope is steep hence limits visibility of a potential hazard on top of the bridge for the approaching vehicle. He said this problem can be mitigated by limiting the approach speed to 40Km/hour saying it should be the speed limit over the structure and there should be strictly no overtaking.
The Engineering think tank has also noted high potential of congestion at the two roundabouts due to their configurations saying certain elements that impact on efficiency need to be addressed such as radii as well accommodation of pedestrians and cyclists.
“There is need to channelize pedestrian movements to improve safety and avoid potential congestion and this should be by way of dedicating foot ways around the structure area leading into and away from the shopping complex,” he added.
Eng. Haazele further said there is need for adequate lighting around the bridge as the area must be well lit to enhance safety adding that visible signs of any distress on the bridge structure are also recommended. EIZ has since pledged to discuss the mitigation measures above with the local authority with a view to getting them implemented.
