On Tuesday, November 1, the Federal Government commenced rehabilitation of the third mainland bridge in Lagos state. Minister of Works, David Umahi, inspected the 11.8-kilometer-long bridge on Saturday, October 28, ahead of the repairs.
The repairs will affect Lagos commuters in different ways, so we’ve highlighted seven important things to keep in mind.
Rehabilitation officially kicks off on November 1
Repair works on the 3rd mainland bridge kicked off on Wednesday, November 1.
The bridge will be closed partially
According to Umahi, the repair work will be carried out at midnight to reduce the constraint on road users.
The repairs will last for three months
The repair work will span three months and be completed by January 2024.
The bridge will be closed at midnight and opened at 4 a.m. on weekdays
While addressing pressmen at the inspection, Umahi said, “We’re are going to be working weekends, Saturdays and Sundays. If we ever work during the other days, it has to be from 12 in the midnight to 4 a.m. the next day. We will not inconvenience Lagosians.”
Two sections of the bridge will be closed
According to Engr. (Mrs.) O. I. Kesha, the Federal Controller of Works, Lagos, the rehabilitation will begin with the ramps connecting Oworoshoki to Adekunle and Lagos Island (Adeniji Adele) to Adekunle simultaneously.
These ramps will be closed to traffic at 7 a.m. on Monday, November 6, 2023, for five weeks.
Alternative routes to consider
The Lagos State Commissioner for Transportation, Oluwaseun Osiyemi, urged motorists to consider alternative routes.
“SCENE 1: Motorists from Lagos Island heading to Ebute Metta will be diverted to Ilubirin to connect Carter Bridge (Idumota) to link Iddo toward Otto/Oyingbo axis and access Herbert Macaulay Way to link to their desired destinations.
“SCENE 2: Motorists from Victoria Island are to go through Bonny Camp to Onikan Marina Bridge, Apongbon to Eko Bridge, Costain to Apapa Road, Railway Compound to Alagomeji, Glover Road to Apena Junction, Herbert Macaulay Way to reach their destinations.
“SCENE 3: Motorists from Motorway will be diverted to Ikorodu Road (Ojota, Anthony, Onipanu, Fadeyi) and Jibowu to access Herbert Macaulay Way to continue their journey.
“SCENE 4: Motorists from Gbagada can go through Anthony Interchange to link Ikorodu Road inwards Jibowu to access Herbert Macaulay Way and link their desired destinations.
“SCENE 5: Motorists from Apapa-Oshodi Expressway wishing to link Ebute-Metta are advised to link Oshodi Bridge to Town Planning Way to Ikorodu Road and then link to their various destinations.”
Installation of solar-powered lights, CCTV cameras
Minister Umahi said the rehabilitation will also include installation of solar lights and CCTV to monitor the movement of people in the lower and upper sections of the bridge.
You’ll have your fill of grilled, peppered or fried meat and many more at Zikoko’s meat festival on November 11. Have you bought your Burning Ram ticket? You can do that real quick here.
