Reps Push For Flyovers, Pedestrian Bridges On Kaduna-Zaria Highway

The House of Representatives has called for the inclusion of flyovers and pedestrian bridges in the ongoing Kaduna Eastern Bye-Pass and Kaduna–Zaria Highway projects, following growing concerns over rising road accidents and pedestrian deaths along the corridors.

The resolution was adopted during plenary on Tuesday after a motion sponsored by Hussaini Mohammed Jallo.
Presenting the motion, Jallo highlighted the alarming increase in road crashes and fatalities recorded along the Kaduna Eastern Bye-Pass—currently under construction by Dantata and Sawoe Construction Company—as well as the Kaduna–Zaria Highway. He noted that several densely populated communities along the routes have been severely affected.

According to him, areas including Rigasa Bakin Ruwa, Danmani Junction, Kurmin Mashi Junction, Mando Motor Park, M/Jos, Unguwa Gwari, NDC Unguwa Kaji, GDSS Rigachikun, Farakwai, Rigachikun, Jaji, Zaria Aya and Kwarau Tasha experience frequent pedestrian movement across the highways, increasing the risk of accidents.

Lawmakers observed that the highways effectively divide these communities, forcing residents, traders and students to cross high-speed roads without designated pedestrian infrastructure.

The House expressed concern that the ongoing construction has exacerbated safety challenges due to the absence of pedestrian crossings, bridges and flyovers, warning that the situation has turned the highways into death traps—particularly for vulnerable groups such as schoolchildren, the elderly and market women.

It stressed that the provision of pedestrian bridges and flyovers at critical points would significantly reduce fatalities, enhance traffic flow and support economic activities in Kaduna and surrounding areas.

The lawmakers further noted that while the highways serve as vital economic routes, they must not compromise public safety, emphasizing the need for people-centred infrastructure development.

Following the adoption of the motion, the House urged the Federal Ministry of Works to review the design of the affected projects to incorporate pedestrian bridges and flyovers at identified high-risk locations.

It also called on the ministry to collaborate with the Kaduna State Government to ensure that safety infrastructure is fully integrated into federal highway projects within the state.

In addition, the House tasked the Federal Road Safety Corps and the Kaduna State Traffic Law Enforcement Authority with intensifying road safety awareness campaigns and providing temporary pedestrian crossings pending the construction of permanent structures.

The Committees on Works and Legislative Compliance were mandated to conduct an on-the-spot assessment of the affected highways and report back within four weeks for further legislative action.