Africa-Press – Botswana. A significant transformation is underway on the A3 road, long known as a perilous route peppered with tragic accidents.
Government decision to reconstruct the road from Francistown to Nata is a pivotal initiative aimed not just at enhancing safety, but also at redefining the region’s logistical landscape.
With an ambitious completion target of 2027, the redevelopment of the A3 promises to usher in a new era of connectivity and economic growth.
The road has an unfortunate reputation for being a ‘death trap’, primarily due to its narrow lanes and high volume of freight traffic, particularly trucks transporting copper from the Democratic Republic of Congo and other commodities from the rest of the region.
This centuries-old problem became so severe that some bus operators divert their routes to the longer but quieter Francistown – Letlhakane – Rakops – Motopi – Maun paths, highlighting the desperate need for reconstructing the road.
Research by Okavango Africa Consortium point that the current narrow design of the A3, coupled with trucks’ need to follow in close succession (for safety and security of fright), had resulted in obliviousness to other road users, causing impatience among drivers, leading to risky overtaking maneuvers that caused unnecessary accidents.
Road users however can now look forward to a safer, more navigable road that integrates advanced engineering solutions and enhanced overall driving experience.
The ambitious project is not only about widening lanes, but includes cutting-edge infrastructural upgrades like a flyover intersection at Orapa Junction. As Francistown evolves into a Special Economic Zone with aspirations to be a hub for logistics, mining supplies, and more, such infrastructure becomes paramount.
Mr Moemedi Gabana, the Okavango Africa Consortium’s team leader, emphasised that A3 would transition from a national road to a regional connector essential for seamless travel across borders and for allowing trade opportunities to flourish.
Moreover, the dual carriageway segment from Francistown to Mathangwane indicates a strategic plan to support increasing traffic volumes while reducing congestion. Although original plan for this dual carriageway was to extend to Sebina junction have been hampered by financial constraints, every village within a 10-kilometer radius however will enjoy improved access, enhancing suburban connectivity.
In addition, the state-of-the-art road construction addresses environmental challenges the region faces. Notably, it introduces membranes to reinforce road durability in areas with soft, water-saturated soil, ensuring resilient infrastructure amidst the unique geology of the Makgadikgadi Pan.
Interaction between Obed Itani Chilume Stadium and the Phillip Matante International Airport presents a critical case for a need of efficient traffic management. Plans are underway to alleviate congestion during major events at the stadium, which previously caused significant delays for travellers.
Redesign aims to incorporate a traffic cycle near Monarch junction to provide alternative routes, highlighting a proactive approach to mitigate potential chaos in this bustling area.
Further, the bridges at Tati and Shashe rivers will undergo comprehensive upgrades, transforming them into dual carriageways and enhancing their capacity for bridge tourism, a burgeoning niche that promises to attract more visitors and boost the local economy.
As the A3 road project approaches completion, one can envision a transformed landscape, a sleek, efficient highway bustling with vehicles, a seamless experience for those travelling for leisure, business, or transport.
The integration of the flyover at Orapa Junction and the design surrounding the stadium points toward a future where logistics, commerce and travel intermingle effortlessly.
The future looks bright for the A3, promising not only improved safety but also a flourishing regional economy that could draw the world’s eyes to Francistown and beyond.
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