Mercy JohnsonThe Federal Government has closed the Adeniji-Adekunle axis of the Third Mainland Bridge and instructed road users to take alternative routes as repairs commence on Monday, to last for a period of five weeks.
Recall that a few weeks ago, Motorists complained of an increasing number of potholes on the bridge that have rendered it a death trap. Subsequently, the federal government responded and announced plans to shut down the bridge for thorough repairs that would include a complete overhauling of the entire stretch of the carriage and a replacement of the asphalts with fresh ones.
The Federal Controller of Works in Lagos, Engr. Olukorede Keisha, while addressing a press conference on Sunday said the main carriageway of the bridge will be open and free for use. She stated however that those who would want to connect the Adekunle area from the bridge might have difficulties doing so.
“If you are coming from Toll gate, and you are going to Adekunle and you want to use the Third Mainland bridge, by tomorrow, 9:00 AM, you will not be able to do that.”
She however informed road users of alternative routes to take.
“You have to use the alternatives that have been provided like Ojota and Gbagada. So you have to round down Gbagada and Ojota before you get here. Otherwise, you will be heading straight to the Island. And If you are coming from the Island, you can go straight if you’re heading towards Iyana-Oworo, Tollgate to Ibadan, the road is free for you,” she stated.
The chief engineer appealed to road users to exercise patience during the course of these repairs, to obey traffic rules and officials, and to report cases of vandalism.
Keisha gave details of the intended repairs, saying, “The comprehensive repairs entail the changing of some of the defective expansion joints, complete overhauling of the existing asphalt overlay.”
“There will be solar lights everywhere, at the parapets and at the median, there will be parapets wall. It will be painted and then probably, if time and money permits, the minister intends to put CCTV everywhere.”
The 11.8km bridge that begins from Oworonshoki and ends at the Adeniji Adele Interchange on Lagos Island has undergone multiple rehabilitation and maintenance since 1990 with the most recent done on April 2, 2023 by the Lagos State Government.
Keisha assured that the repairs this time would be more thorough than previous ones which she said have been mainly patch-ups.
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