The National Road Authority (NRA) is embarked on a Road Shoulder Rehabilitation Project around the Kombo Coastal Road in the West Coast Region. The road shoulders (footpath) reconstruction will cover a stretch of 13 km from the Brufut Gamtel to Tujereng on both sides.
In a brief interview with the Operation and Safety Manager at the National Road Authority, Mr. Tony Keita, he explained that the Kombo Coastal Road Shoulder Rehabilitation is part of the 2021/2022 Road Maintenance and Rehabilitation Programme that seeks to provide a safe and smooth transition for road users who accidently leave or are forced to leave the sealed pavement area (carriageway), and to protect the sealed pavement from excess deterioration such as edge breaks.
Mr. Keita informed that the road shoulders had eroded to an extent that the surface of the road pavement is higher than the adjacent shoulder, making it difficult for vehicles to leave the carriageway. Hence the need for maintenance in order to restore the road shoulders to a condition where they are capable of satisfying their main objectives.
He reported that the status of the Kombo Coastal Road Shoulder Rehabilitation Project is 60% complete but however, admitted that there is still some outstanding works to complete, which include filling to make up the levels, the 150 mm thick base course and the bituminous surfacing.
The Operation and Safety Manager went on to reveal that the contract for Lot 1, which includes the Kombo Coastal Road shoulder rehabilitation, is awarded to HAGE GROUP Contractors and the contractual completion date for the works is April 30, 2022.
The scope of the shoulder rehabilitation includes but not limited to: filling up with laterite gravel to 150mm thickness to make up for levels; 150mm thick laterite gravel as base material; double seal surfacing with (Bitumen and two layers of basalt chippings); precast construction of the raised edge to 0.15 m width and 0.3m depth.
Mr Keita concluded by saying for sustainability of the project, the edge of the road shoulder will be protected with precast concrete kerbs (stone edge of the road) which will prevent the shoulder from eroding.