Amanze Chinonye
The Federal Government has unveiled a phase-oriented repair strategy for the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway, designed to accelerate bridge rehabilitation while minimizing traffic snarls, Prime Business Africa reports.
The update follows inspections that revealed critical deterioration in the expansion joints of Kara Bridge, Magboro Bridge, and Arepo–Punch Bridge, key points along one of Nigeria’s most heavily trafficked highways.
Previously, the project was framed as a six-week partial closure, but delays in progress prompted a reassessment and redesign of the repair schedule.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelFRSC Lagos Sector Commander, Ganiyu Hamzat, said that while roadworks inevitably cause temporary inconvenience, the new approach will streamline repairs and improve safety for motorists. “Certain damaged sections were causing vehicles to collide as drivers tried to avoid oncoming traffic, creating unnecessary accidents. The situation demanded decisive intervention,” he explained.
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According to Hamzat, the original repair pace was slower than anticipated, potentially doubling the completion time. “We had to rethink our strategy. Instead of tackling one expansion joint at a time, we will now repair two joints simultaneously, allowing motorists to experience inconvenience once per section rather than repeatedly,” he added.
High-strength chemicals are being applied to accelerate curing, enabling repaired sections to reopen within seven days. So far, half of the Lagos-bound lanes on Magboro and Arepo–Punch bridges, and one side of Kara Bridge, have been completed. Both lanes of Kara Bridge will now undergo simultaneous repair, while work on the Ibadan-bound lanes is scheduled next.
Hamzat also warned that overloading remains a major contributor to road deterioration, urging stricter use of weighbridges to protect the highway infrastructure.
The FRSC is coordinating with LASTMA, the police, and military units to manage traffic during the repairs. Motorists are being warned that driving against traffic will no longer be tolerated, with offenders liable to penalties or prosecution.
Authorities stress that this phased, traffic-conscious repair plan balances the urgent need for road safety and bridge integrity with commuter convenience, particularly for vehicles entering Lagos. Motorists are advised to plan alternative routes during the ongoing works, especially as the second phase of repairs on Kara Bridge begins, which is expected to generate temporary congestion.
The Lagos–Ibadan Expressway remains a critical economic corridor, linking Nigeria’s largest city with the southwest and northern regions, underscoring the importance of timely and strategic interventions to keep it operational and safe.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
