ASSESSMENT OF THE IMPACT OF ROAD CONSTRUCTION ON RESIDENT COMMUNITIES ALONG NNAMDI AZIKIWE WAY BYPASS, KADUNA

Abstract

This study examines the impact of road construction along the Nnamdi Azikiwe Bypass in Kaduna metropolis, Nigeria, with emphasis on residents’ mobility, access to essential services, and socio-economic conditions. The study is motivated by the increasing urban expansion and ongoing infrastructural development within Kaduna, which often generates both developmental benefits and temporary disruptions to urban life. The study adopted a descriptive research design combining both quantitative and spatial (GIS) approaches. A total of 150 respondents were selected using a stratified random sampling technique. Primary data were collected through structured questionnaires, key informant interviews (KII), field observations, and GPS-based spatial mapping; secondary data were obtained from relevant literature, government reports, and institutional publications. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics (frequency and percentages) and GIS, ArcGIS Pro 3.5 for settlement mapping and traffic hotspot identification. Findings from the study revealed a linear pattern of residential settlement distribution along the Bypass, with higher population density in areas such as Bakin Ruwa/Rigasa, Sabon Gari, Kakuri, and Unguwan Sanusi. Traffic analysis showed significant congestion hotspots concentrated in these densely populated and economically active areas. The study further revealed that road construction has significantly reduced access to essential services, including workplaces, markets, schools, and healthcare facilities, mainly due to increased travel time, road diversions, and congestion. In addition, the economic assessment indicated increased transportation costs, reduced income, lower productivity, and disrupted business activities among residents during the construction period. The study concludes that while road construction is essential for long-term urban development, it can have significant short-term negative impacts on mobility, accessibility, and socio-economic wellbeing if not properly managed. It recommends improved traffic management strategies, better construction planning, provision of alternative routes, and enhanced stakeholder coordination to minimize disruptions during infrastructure development.