- Closure previously announced during Apongbon section inauguration
- Messrs Buildwell Plants & Equipment Ind. Ltd appointed for repairs
The Federal Government has announced the temporary closure of the Alaka-Costain-Iganmu section of the Eko Bridge (inward Island) for a duration of 40 days.
The closure is set to commence on Sunday, July 23, 2023, as stated by Olukorede Keisha, the federal controller of works in Lagos State, on behalf of the permanent secretary of the federal ministry of works & housing.
The reason behind this decision is the identification of damage to critical components of the bridge that require immediate attention. Authorities are concerned that delaying the necessary repairs and replacement of these damaged parts could pose a risk to the overall integrity and structural stability of the entire bridge.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State and Keisha had previously announced the planned closures during the inauguration of the Apongbon section of the Bridge, stating that these closures would take place as maintenance work progressed.
The responsibility for conducting the essential repairs within the specified timeframe has been assigned to Messrs Buildwell Plants & Equipment Ind. Ltd, the appointed contractor.
Keisha emphasized that the closure is necessary to ensure the safety of all road users and to maintain the functionality of the Eko Bridge. The Federal Government and relevant stakeholders express their gratitude to the public for their continued cooperation and understanding during this crucial infrastructure maintenance period.
The statement read: “This is as a result of the damage noticed on some of the bridge members which needed to be urgently worked upon.
“It should be noted that any further delay in the repairs and replacement of some of these bridge members could undermine the integrity and structural stability of the entire bridge and the consequence of this can be better imagined.
“It should however be noted that the Lagos State Governor, His Excellency, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, and the Federal Controller Of Works, Engr. (Mrs.) Olukorede Kesha during the opening of the Apongbon section of the Bridge announced that intermittent closures will be carried out as the maintenance work progresses.
“This closure is to allow the Contractor, Messrs Buildwell Plants & Equipment Industry Ltd carry out the necessary repairs with the aim of restoring the integrity of the bridge during the stipulated time frame.
“While the service lane leading to Iponri will be available, some alternative routes are also provided for motorists plying the route from Western Avenue and its environs.
“Motorists are advised to cooperate with the Traffic-Management Team deployed on the highway to manage traffic.”