- The Federal Government initiates a seven-week partial shutdown of the Third Mainland Bridge for comprehensive repairs, ensuring alternative routes
- The closure will follow a schedule, allowing motorists access during specific hours and focusing on thorough rehabilitation to prevent future shutdowns
The Federal Government has initiated a seven-week partial shutdown of the Third Mainland Bridge, assuring motorists of a smooth travel experience during the rehabilitation period. Starting on Tuesday, the closure focuses on the Iyana Oworonshoki-Adeniji Adele section of the bridge, aiming for comprehensive repairs.
Mrs Olukorede Kesha, the Federal Controller of Works, Lagos State, marked the beginning of the rehabilitation and ensured motorists that alternative routes were available during the closing hours.
According to the Lagos State Government, the bridge will be open from 12 am to 12 noon for motorists travelling from the Mainland to the Island. In contrast, those moving from the Island to the Mainland within that timeframe are advised to use Eko Bridge—the Second Mainland Bridge. From 12 noon to 12 am, the bridge will be accessible for motorists travelling from the Island to the Mainland, with those going in the opposite direction advised to use Eko Bridge.
The closure occurred at the intersection where motorists from Ojota connect to the Third Mainland Bridge on the Island-bound carriageway.
Present alongside the Controller of Works were Mr. Kayode Farinloye, the Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps, Oluwaseun Osiyemi, the State Commissioner for Transportation, and Commissioner of Police Fayoade Adekoya, among others.
Kesha emphasized that the repair works, set to be officially flagged off by the Minister of Works, Mr. Dave Umahi, during the weekend, would be thorough to prevent future bridge shutdowns. The rehabilitation includes replacing some expansion joints and completely renewing the asphalt, which is anticipated to last between six to eight weeks.
The controller reassured that the federal government would urge the contractor to adhere to the schedule. The closure will be executed in two daily phases, diverting traffic to different carriageways at different times.
Kesha disclosed that the rehabilitation, featuring 24-hour construction for swift completion of top-deck work on the bridge, aims for a comprehensive fix while urging motorists to comply with traffic rules and use alternative routes to minimize inconvenience. Osiyemi added that 250 Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) personnel would collaborate with road safety officials on the project.