Vehicular traffic on major roads in Onitsha and environs on Monday eased as shoppers and travellers passed through the Niger Bridge without obstruction.

The Tide source reports that the favourable traffic situation impacted positively on commercial activities as traders and shoppers made brisk business.

The free flow of traffic followed the efforts of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), the police and soldiers who controlled activities at the Onitsha-end of the bridge, the Onitsha-Enugu road and the Onitsha-Owerri Road.

The Unit Commander of FRSC in Onitsha, Mr Anothny Metta, said that in spite of the low traffic, the men and officers of the commission were still watching the bridge.

“Where are ready with the tow truck to evacuate any obstruction within minutes.

“However, we expect that the eased traffic situation on the bridge would continue to about 4 pm, when we will experience increased traffic. It will likely last up to 9 pm.

“We are also getting ready for more extensive work from next week, starting from Jan. 5 when people that traveled to their communities will be returning to resume their businesses and work,” Metta said.

Another Unit Commander of FRSC in Ihiala, Mr Nnamdi Asanya, said that the combined efforts contributed in the ease of traffic flow on the roads.

“However, we are still on our duty post monitoring the development and making sure any broken down vehicle is attended to as fast as possible.

“I believe the present situation will continue till early next week,” Asanya said.