Communities owe much of their vitality to the ease with which economic and social interactions
take place. Ironically, while roads are central to this continuing interaction, the introduction of a
new road, or the widening of an existing road, may well cause disruptions to local interactions.
Increasing level of traffic congestion is an inescapable result of strong economic activities and
life in urban areas and a challenge to the planning authority and government. This study
evaluates the Arakale road expansion project in Akure with a view to assessing the impact on the
workers in the informal sector in Akure. Methodology included participant observation, oral
interview and administration of questionnaires through simple random sampling technique to
traders along the Arakale road Akure. Findings revealed that the informal sector especially
traders in building materials along Arakale road were adversely affected by the road expansion
projects done by the Ondo State Government in 2010-2011 in terms of loss of customers,
reduction in profit and unpalatable temporary structures for once booming business premises and
poor compensation for displacement among others. Recommendations include provision of
accessible and affordable shopping complexes for the traders and speedy completion of the road
project to reduce the hindrance of customers in reaching the business area which affects the
economy of the informal workers.