FRSC Announces Temporary Diversion on Kaduna–Zaria Highway: What Motorists Need to Know for April 24–25
The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Kaduna State Sector Command, has officially announced a temporary road diversion on the Kaduna–Zaria axis of the A2 Highway. This critical infrastructure update is part of the ongoing Kaduna–Kano Rail Modernisation Project, a major federal initiative aimed at improving rail connectivity across northern Nigeria. The diversion is scheduled to take place on April 24 and 25, 2025, between 7:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. daily.
Why the Diversion Is Necessary
The affected section is located at DK825, Kwaranza village, where the highway intersects with the Kaduna–Kano rail line currently under construction. According to the Sector Commander, Andrew Longkam, the diversion is required to allow for the erection of railway bridge beams—a critical phase of the rail project. During this period, only one lane of the dual carriageway will remain open to traffic, significantly reducing capacity and potentially causing delays.
This type of work is common in large-scale rail modernization projects, where existing road infrastructure must be temporarily adjusted to accommodate heavy construction equipment and ensure worker safety. Similar diversions have been implemented on other major highways across Nigeria, such as the Lagos–Ibadan rail corridor, to facilitate bridge installations.
Traffic Management and Safety Measures
The FRSC has assured the public that adequate traffic control measures will be in place to minimize disruption and enhance safety. These include:
- Caution signs and diversion indicators placed well ahead of the affected area to give motorists ample warning.
- Traffic cones to clearly demarcate the open lane and guide vehicles safely through the construction zone.
- FRSC patrol teams deployed on-site to manage traffic flow, assist with navigation, and enforce speed limits.
For context, the FRSC’s proactive deployment of personnel is a standard best practice in road construction zones, reducing the risk of accidents by up to 40% according to global traffic safety studies. Motorists are urged to comply with instructions from traffic officials and avoid any unauthorized maneuvers near the diversion point.
Practical Advice for Motorists
To ensure a smooth journey and avoid unnecessary delays, the FRSC recommends the following:
- Plan your journey ahead: Check traffic updates before departing and consider traveling outside peak hours (7:00 a.m.–9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.–6:00 p.m.) if possible.
- Use alternative routes: If your schedule allows, consider using secondary roads such as the Kaduna–Saminaka–Zaria route or the Kaduna–Birnin Gwari–Zaria road, though these may be longer and less maintained.
- Maintain safe speeds: Reduce your speed well before the diversion zone, as sudden braking or lane changes can lead to collisions.
- Keep adequate distance: Leave at least a two-second gap between your vehicle and the one ahead to allow for unexpected stops.
- Avoid overtaking: Overtaking near the diversion point is strictly prohibited due to limited visibility and narrow lanes.
For example, a motorist traveling from Kaduna to Zaria for a business meeting on April 24 should plan to leave by 6:00 a.m. to arrive before the diversion begins, or alternatively, depart after 6:00 p.m. when normal traffic flow resumes. Those with flexible schedules might consider postponing non-essential trips to April 26.
Contact and Emergency Information
The FRSC has apologized for any inconvenience caused by the temporary arrangement and appealed for patience and cooperation from the motoring public. For assistance or real-time updates, motorists can:
- Contact the Kaduna Sector Command directly via their official phone lines.
- Reach the Zaria Unit Command for localized support.
- Dial the national emergency toll-free line, 122, for immediate help in case of accidents or breakdowns.
The FRSC reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring safety and minimizing disruption during the construction period. This diversion is a temporary but necessary step toward completing the Kaduna–Kano Rail Modernisation Project, which promises long-term benefits for regional transportation and economic growth.
Source: Daily Nigerian