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Kiyaga Edwin Raymond

@kiyagaedwin3,545 subscribers

Senior Highway Design Engineer at MowT|Catholic|Youtuber|Epistemophile| Part-time tutor at Highway Academy (https://t.co/vKzudr5qV2)

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Let's talk about the Kampala-Entebbe Expressway. Why all the emphasis on "slow down on rainy days" signs? Is the Expressway suddenly an aquarium when it rains? Do the road designers need to include something on this fancy road? Could my second-hand tyres be a factor? Is this a unique issue in Uganda? Speaking of missing things, let's discuss aquaplaning or hydroplaning – not the cool Olympic sport, unfortunately. Aquaplaning (hydroplaning) happens when a layer of water builds between your tyres and the road, significantly reducing your ability to steer, brake, and control your vehicle. Here are factors making hydroplaning worse: 1.Speed demons:(aka Subaru drivers, please tag them): Some drive like Usain Bolt on a waterslide 🏎️💨 2.Bald tyres: If your treads resemble post-lockdown hair, it's time for new ones 😬 Treads help clear water. 3. Deep puddles: Great for hippos, not cars 🦛 Water takes time to clear in heavy rain. Uganda's love for second-hand tyres: Let's face it, those treads are often unreliable. New tyres should be changed every 6 to 10 years, while old ones should be changed every 1 to 3 years. The equation is simple: rain + speed + bad tyres = potential disaster. Want to play bumper cars? Go to an amusement park, not the Expressway. How to avoid hydroplaning on the Expressway: 1. Reduce Speed: Slowing down significantly improves tyre grip. Aim for 50 to 60 km/hr. 2. Maintain Tire Health: Ensure adequate tread depth for water displacement. 3. Increase the Following Distance: Allow more reaction time. 4. Focus and Visibility: Turn on headlights and stay alert. 5 Avoid hard braking and sharp turning. If you are hydroplaning, consumer reports experts recommend taking your foot off the gas, steering in the desired direction once traction is regained, and gently applying the brakes. For Expressway guides and questions, follow Kampala Entebbe Expressway. For UNRA Updates, follow Allan Ssempebwa Kyobe, Chart. PR and UNRA_UGANDA . Discussions happen every Saturday at 9 am. Share your thoughts in the comments!

Kiyaga Edwin Raymond

48,676 görüntüleme • 2 yıl önce

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The Kampala Entebbe Expressway is now illuminated, with the Northern Bypass set to follow suit. Given its cost-effectiveness and low maintenance, some may wonder why solar lighting wasn't utilized. The first challenge is solar energy, which faces intermittent generation and varying sun hours in different regions. In Kampala, the average sun hours generating light is 3.5 to 4 lux, compared to 6 in Northern Uganda. Seasonal variations further impact consistency, making maintaining the recommended 40-70 lux lighting for expressways throughout the night challenging. This inconsistency poses safety concerns on high-speed roads. Second challenge Vandalism is another issue, as batteries used in solar lighting can be targeted for resale at 12Volts /24Volts. Despite efforts to deter vandalism, the challenge persists. Telecom towers, which also use solar, avoid this issue due to continuous monitoring, which can't be done for a road with 180 lights and less marketable 48Volt inverters. These things are hard to sell. The final Challenge is maintenance and durability. Uganda is a country of pollen, dust and grime. Regular checks on battery efficiency, cleaning of solar panels, and monitoring darkness sensors are essential in our dusty environment. Standard lighting may be simpler to maintain, focusing mainly on the bulb. While solar may be unavoidable in remote and hard-to-reach areas, the initial installation cost, inconsistent light output and maintenance challenges currently make grid power a more practical choice. While there have been successful solar implementations on a global scale, the widespread adoption of solar technology is still in its nascent stages. Notable examples include the A14 in England, where a section incorporates solar lighting, a 24km expressway in Chile that utilizes solar panels, and a segment of Interstate 10 in Arizona dedicated to illuminating wildlife crossings using solar power. These cases illustrate promising strides in integrating solar solutions, yet comprehensive deployment is yet to reach maturity. The transition to renewable energy is seen as inevitable, but for now, standard roads are better suited for solar lighting with manageable lux and duration requirements, e.g. Kira Matugga KCCA roads.

Kiyaga Edwin Raymond

45,786 görüntüleme • 2 yıl önce

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