The Federal Government on Thursday dismissed public concerns about the type of reinforcement materials used in the ongoing reconstruction of the Ore–Ondo–Akure Road, assuring that the project fully meets approved engineering specifications and international design standards.

Minister of Works, Senator Dave Umahi, gave the clarification during an inspection tour of the project at Ajue community in Odigbo Local Government Area of Ondo State.

Viral videos and online comments had questioned the use of wire mesh on the road’s shoulders, claiming that steel reinforcement bars should have been used as on the main carriageway.

But the Minister, represented by Engr. Hussein Olajide, the Federal Controller of Works in Ondo State, explained that the variation follows standard global engineering practice, as each section is designed to serve different structural and functional purposes.

“We also saw the viral video and the complainant specifically mentioned the use of wire mesh on the outer shoulders, suggesting that the same heavy reinforcement used on the carriageway should be applied there as well. But that’s a misconception. The main carriageway and the outer shoulder perform different functions, and so they are designed differently,” he said.

He explained that the main carriageway, which endures constant movement of heavy trucks, trailers, and articulated vehicles, is subjected to intense bending and flexural stresses, thereby requiring the use of heavy reinforcement bars.

“To resist these forces and ensure long-term durability, 20mm longitudinal and 16mm transverse reinforcement bars are used on the main carriageway,” he noted.

“But the outer shoulder is designed to handle only occasional traffic, like breakdowns, short stops, or diversions. Therefore, it doesn’t require the same level of reinforcement.”

He further explained that the A142 wire mesh used on the outer shoulders is a standard, approved material consistent with Nigerian Highway Design Standards and internationally accepted practices for rigid pavement construction.

“If you visit any of our single carriageway rigid pavement projects nationwide, you will find the same design pattern. It’s not peculiar to Ondo State or this particular project. The use of wire mesh on shoulders and reinforcement bars on carriageways is a universal highway design principle,” Olajide affirmed.

Olajide revealed that the Ore–Ondo–Akure Road covers a total length of 86.43 kilometers, featuring a 7.3-meter-wide main carriageway and 2.75-meter-wide shoulders on each side.

He clarified that, contrary to public assumptions, the project is not a dualization scheme but a reconstruction of the existing single carriageway, upgraded with fully paved shoulders to enhance safety and traffic flow.

“Before now, the road had no proper shoulders—only surface-dressed areas in a few spots. What we are doing now is building a modern, durable highway that meets global standards,” he said.

He added that the project, awarded in 2024 with a four-year completion timeline, is progressing on schedule and may be delivered ahead of time, citing the contractor’s dedication and the effective supervision of the Federal Ministry of Works.