Everything You Need to Know About the Port Harcourt Ring Road Project

The Port Harcourt Ring Road Project

The Port Harcourt Ring Road project is a major infrastructure project in Rivers State, Nigeria. The project involves the construction of a 50.15-kilometer dual carriageway that will connect six local government areas in the state: Port Harcourt, Obio-Akpor, Ikwerre, Etche, Eleme, and Ogu-Bolo. To enhance transportation efficiency, the road will include six flyovers and a river-crossing bridge. Executed by Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, the project was awarded in July 2023 and is slated for completion within 36 months, with an estimated total cost of N195 billion.

Benefits of the Port Harcourt Ring Road Project

The impact of the Port Harcourt Ring Road project is expected to be transformative for the region, presenting numerous benefits for the state:

• Decongestion of traffic in Port Harcourt: By providing an effective bypass route for inner city traffic, the project intends to alleviate congestion and significantly improve traffic flow within Port Harcourt. This will reduce travel times and improve air quality, making the city more livable for its residents.
  
• Improved transportation link between different parts of the state: The newly constructed road will facilitate seamless transportation connectivity between different areas of Rivers State, promoting greater mobility for both people and goods. This will boost economic activity and help reduce poverty in the state.
  
• Job creation: The project’s construction phase is anticipated to create a substantial number of direct and indirect employment opportunities, stimulating economic growth and uplifting livelihoods. This will benefit the local community and help reduce unemployment in the state.
  
• Boosting economic development in the state: The Port Harcourt Ring Road project is expected to boost the state’s economy in a number of ways. First, the project itself is a major investment that is creating thousands of jobs during construction and operation. Second, the ring road will open up new areas for development and attract new businesses to the state.
  
  Third, the ring road will make it easier for businesses to transport goods and services within the state and to other parts of Nigeria, which will reduce the cost of doing business and make Rivers State more attractive to investors.

History of the Port Harcourt Ring Road Project

The concept of a ring road for Port Harcourt has been in existence for decades. Initial proposals were made in the 1970s and again in 2007, but none materialized. The current Port Harcourt Ring Road project, first suggested in 2019, gained approval from the Rivers State government in 2020. Subsequently, the contract was awarded to Julius Berger Nigeria Plc in July 2023 by Governor Siminalayi Fubara, with a target completion date of 2025.

The Ring Road, according to Governor Fubara, will navigate six local government areas in the state.

According to him, “When all these places are opened up, people, including real estate investors, will start moving in there, and businesses will open up because people have started acquiring land there”.

The Port Harcourt Ring Road project is set to be a pivotal milestone for Rivers State, with the potential to enhance the quality of life for its residents and stimulate substantial economic growth in the region. Upon its completion in 2025, the road will stand as a valuable asset for the state, facilitating smoother transportation and communication between its various local government areas.

In conclusion, the Port Harcourt Ring Road project is poised to be a defining moment in Rivers State’s development journey. By addressing traffic congestion, enhancing transportation linkages, generating employment opportunities, and stimulating economic growth, this infrastructure project will undoubtedly leave a lasting positive impact on the state for generations to come. As we eagerly await its completion, the people of Rivers State can look forward to a brighter and more prosperous future.