Gov’t to Build Only One Pedestrian Flyover on OIC Highway for Now

OIC Highway Sign © State House of The Gambia

By Edward Francis Dalliah

As the public eagerly anticipates the introduction of pedestrian flyovers on the newly inaugurated OIC Highway to ensure safer crossings, the Minister for Transport, Works, and Infrastructure, Hon. Ebrima Sillah, has announced that the government will construct only one pedestrian flyover as part of a pilot initiative. This marks a significant shift from the original plan, which proposed multiple flyovers at strategic locations along the 22-kilometer stretch.

Minister Sillah shared this update on 19th March 2025, during the First Ordinary Session of Parliament, in response to a question from the Member for Old Yundum, Hon. Abdoulie Ceesay, regarding the possibility of building pedestrian flyovers along the newly developed highway.

In his response, Minister Sillah acknowledged the initial blueprint to construct several pedestrian flyovers, which would facilitate safer crossings. However, he cited studies from the sub-region that indicate pedestrian overpasses are often underused, as ‘many pedestrians prefer to cross at ground level’ despite the risks. Consequently, the government has opted to install zebra crossings with speed humps at key locations along the highway to slow down traffic and enhance pedestrian safety, he noted.

Minister for Transport, Works and Infrastructure Hon Ebrima Sillah © The Gambia National Assembly

This update contrasts with earlier assurances given during a December 2024 press conference at the Sir Dawda Conference Centre, where the Minister of Information, Dr. Ismaila Ceesay, told our reporter that “seventeen flyovers are being prefabricated right now, as we speak. They come as prefabricated units, meaning they are already built and will just be installed.”

However, the Works Minister's recent update has stated that only one pedestrian flyover will be constructed “near the shopping mall in Senegambia”. This will serve as a pilot to study how it is going to be used, Minister Sillah explained. He went further, noting that the government aims to evaluate public response and usage patterns before determining whether additional flyovers will be constructed along the highway.

Strengthening their move, Minister Sillah referred to past infrastructure efforts, stating, some 20 years ago, along Jeshwang and other areas, pedestrian crossings were provided, but pedestrians largely ignored them. He echoed concerns from the wider West African region, where flyovers have been built but often remain underutilized.

Independent research conducted for our report supports the minister’s claims. A 2021 study published by Sub-Saharan African Academic Research Publications examined major pedestrian bridges along the Ikorodu Expressway in Lagos, Nigeria. It found that ‘65.1% of respondents used pedestrian bridges only occasionally, while 23.3% considered them stressful to use.’ Key reasons included perceptions of the bridges being time-consuming, inconveniently located, and physically demanding, all contributing to a low level of compliance.

A pedestrian flyover (also known as a footbridge) is designed to allow safe crossings over busy roads, especially those with high-speed vehicular traffic. The OIC Highway, stretching from Sting Corner to Airport Junction in Yundum, has become a critical corridor for commuters, businesses, and international travelers.

Originally a two-lane road, it had become overwhelmed by the increasing population and vehicle numbers. The government responded by expanding it into a six-lane dual carriageway, three lanes in each direction, significantly improving traffic flow. However, this transformation has made crossing the road more difficult and dangerous for pedestrians, particularly during rush hours.

Currently, pedestrians must rely on zebra crossings near roundabouts and under overpass bridges, as pedestrian infrastructure remains incomplete. This situation has prompted calls for Phase III of the project, which should prioritize pedestrian-friendly enhancements.

Hon. Abdoulie Ceesay, a vocal advocate for pedestrian safety, reiterated his concerns last year in a report by The Point Newspaper, stating: “The need for a flyover is not merely a matter of convenience but one of life and death,” referring to road accidents that have resulted in fatalities.

As the government anticipates testing public acceptance of the flyover near Senegambia, the outcome of this pilot project will likely shape the future of pedestrian safety infrastructure along the highway. If successful, the model may be extended to other critical locations. If not, zebra crossings and speed humps will remain the primary safety features for crossing the high-speed road.

In the coming months, all eyes will be on whether this single flyover can shift pedestrian behavior or simply reinforce long-standing challenges observed across the region.