Commuters and motorists travelling between Agbarho and Ughelli in Delta State have been left stranded after days of heavy rainfall flooded a major section of the busy road.
The flooding has disrupted traffic around the Agbarho Police Station area, with motorists struggling to pass through the affected stretch.
The situation became more difficult after the water covered a significant portion of the road, forcing some drivers to abandon the route and seek alternative access into Ughelli.
Motorists coming from Effurun and Agbarho were among those affected, as the floodwater slowed traffic and created long delays for road users.
Some commuters were forced to wait for the water level to reduce, while others resorted to alternative routes to continue their journeys.
A commuter, Francis Sadhere, described the experience as difficult, saying the depth of the floodwater made movement particularly challenging.
“We were stranded for some time because the water was too deep to cross easily. Getting through the affected section was a serious challenge,” he said.
Another road user identified as Tony called for urgent action to address the drainage problem along the route.
He said improved drainage would help prevent the road from becoming flooded whenever there is prolonged rainfall.
The flooding has also renewed concerns about the condition of the road and the ability of its drainage system to cope with heavy rainfall.
During a visit to the area, traffic was seen moving slowly through the flooded section, while part of the affected stretch remained difficult to access.
Residents warned that further rainfall could worsen the situation and cause a more serious disruption to transportation along the route.
They appealed to the Delta State Government, Federal Government and Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) to intervene and address the damaged section.
Commuters seek alternative roads
The flooding is coming amid growing concerns over traffic congestion around the Otovwodo axis, where ongoing construction has increased pressure on available routes.
Residents and commuters have consequently appealed to Julius Berger Nigeria Plc to improve and maintain alternative roads being used by motorists.
They said properly maintained diversion routes could reduce congestion and make movement easier while construction activities continue.
According to residents, some of the alternative roads are already in poor condition, making them less attractive to motorists and adding to the pressure on the main route.
Commercial transport operators have also complained about increased vehicle maintenance costs and higher fuel consumption caused by prolonged traffic and poor road conditions.
Bernard Ewofurama, a commuter, said the situation had become increasingly frustrating, particularly during busy periods.
“Maintaining the alternative routes will give motorists another option and reduce the pressure on the main road,” he said.
Another resident, Choice Grandball, said authorities should focus on fixing the damaged portions of the alternative roads before they deteriorate further.
“We only need the bad sections repaired and the routes kept usable. That alone can make movement easier for motorists and residents,” he said.
Faith Iguruwe also appealed to Julius Berger to ensure that the alternative routes remain accessible throughout the construction period.
She acknowledged the ongoing road project but said commuters were facing serious hardship because some access points had become difficult to use.
Iguruwe said traffic delays had become severe, with some residents spending hours on the road before reaching their destinations.
Residents have therefore called for routine grading, drainage repairs and removal of obstructions along the alternative routes.
They also urged government agencies, the construction company and community stakeholders to establish a coordinated traffic-management arrangement.
According to the residents, regular maintenance should be carried out before the alternative roads become completely unusable.
They said keeping the routes functional would provide immediate relief to motorists and other road users while work continues on the main project.