The Impact of Road Construction, Bad Road Maintenance and Motor-Vehicle Accidents on Human Health on the Abuja-Keffi Expressway: A General Literature Review.

Abstract

Background: The Abuja–Keffi Expressway serves as a critical transportation corridor connecting Nigeria's Federal Capital Territory to Keffi, Nasarawa State, and facilitating access to subsequent routes. This highway plays a vital role in the regional transport network, enhancing connectivity and supporting economic activities in the surrounding areas. The ongoing road expansion and interim traffic management may improve mobility and economic activity, but can also create short- and long-term health risks for commuters, workers, and nearby residents.
Methods: A structured literature review was used to synthesize evidence across three domains: (1) environmental risks from construction-generated dust, (2) road safety risks associated with temporary traffic controls (including one-way flow) and constrained capacity, and (3) psychosocial and systemic burdens attributable to severe traffic congestion, including air and noise pollution and stress-related outcomes.
Results: Construction activities often produce significant quantities of dust, which include fine particulate matter such as PM10 and PM2.5. Additionally, these activities may release potentially hazardous substances, including respirable crystalline silica and asbestos fibers. The reported and plausible effects associated with the situation include respiratory irritation and an increased risk of broader respiratory morbidity, particularly impacting vulnerable populations such as children, construction workers, and residents in proximity to work zones. The risks related to road safety may escalate under temporary traffic controls and periods of congestion, with the Karu Bridge area frequently identified as a critical hotspot. Extended periods of congestion and idling leads to heightened exposure to traffic-related pollutants, such as particulate matter (PM), nitrogen oxides (NOx), carbon monoxide (CO), and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Additionally, increased noise levels may contribute to stress and a decline in overall well-being.
Conclusion: The paper supports implementing dust control, strengthening traffic management/enforcement, and mitigating congestion, alongside coordinated public health monitoring and surveillance to identify and address emerging impacts.