The Ghana Highway Authority will from Friday close the Buipe bridge in the Northern Region to vehicular traffic for emergency repair works to be carried out on the bridge.

The bridge, which will be opened on March 8, will again be closed the next day between the hours of 2:00pm to 6:00am on March 10. Only vehicles weighing 20 tons will be allowed to cross the bridge between the period.

A statement signed and issued by the Minister of Roads and Highways advised motorists travelling to and from the Northern Region to use the following alternative new designated routes.

Those travelling from the south towards Tamale are to use Kumasi through Techiman – Wenchi, Sawla, Fufulso Junction to Tamale Motorists travelling from Tamale towards the south are also to go through Fufulso Junction through Sawla , Wenchi to Techiman “Motorists are advised to adhere to directional and safety signs that will be made available at appropriate locations on the corridor,” the statement said.

The statement said the Ministry recognises the strategic importance of the bridge as it facilitates the movement of goods and people to and from the northern parts of the country.

“It is also located on the international transit corridor which serves Ghana and its landlocked neighbours and it is therefore of significant economic importance to sub-regional trade,” it adds.

It assured motorists and the travelling public that the repair works would be carried out diligently and be completed on time to ease the inconveniences associated with the works.

“We also appeal for the co-operation of all stakeholders in our quest to ensure the structural integrity of the bridge and alsoto protect life and property.