President John Dramani Mahama has cut the sod for the dualisation of the 73.6-kilometre Cape Coast–Takoradi road, a key section of the National Route 1 and the Trans–West African Highway.

The project, expected to be completed within two years, forms part of the government’s Big Push roads initiative.

The dual carriageway will feature nine interchanges, 10 bridges, 15 footbridges, and 20 kilometres of service roads, along with rest stops and axle load stations to improve safety and traffic flow.

Construction works have been divided into three lots, with three contractors assigned as follows:

• Lot 1: Cape Coast to Kissi

• Lot 2: Kissi to Daboase

• Lot 3: Daboase to Takoradi Airport Roundabout

Speaking during the sod-cutting ceremony at Assorko Essaman in the Shama District, after inspecting the Western Regional Hospital at Apemenyim, on Tuesday, October 21, President Mahama described the Cape Coast–Takoradi road as a critical national route that had become severely deteriorated, contributing to frequent road accidents and fatalities.

He said the dualisation project would not only enhance safety but also facilitate trade and economic integration along the western corridor of the country and beyond.