Roads
Abayomi Susan
The Lagos-Ibadan Expressway is set to undergo repair works, but contrary to the two-month timeline mentioned, the Federal Government has actually announced a six-week partial closure for urgent repairs on expansion joints at Kara Bridge, Magboro Bridge, and Arepo-Punch Bridge. The repairs aim to improve safety and prevent further accidents caused by deteriorating expansion joints.
The contractor, CBC Construction Company, will prioritize traffic safety by installing barriers, warning signs, and lights to protect motorists and workers. The Lagos State Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Kehinde Hamzat, urges motorists to exercise patience and adhere to traffic regulations during the construction period.
The Federal Ministry of Works stated that the closure is necessary to resume critical rehabilitation works that were earlier suspended on the Lagos-bound section of Kara Bridge due to public complaints over severe traffic congestion. The expansion joints on the affected bridges have deteriorated significantly, posing safety risks and contributing to road crashes.
According to Andy Duan, General Manager of CBC Construction Company, repairs on the Lagos-bound sections of Magboro and Arepo-Punch bridges have already been completed, and attention will now shift to the Ibadan-bound sides. The repairs will be carried out in phases, with half of each expansion joint expected to be completed within a week.
The Minister of Works, David Umahi, has directed that urgent intervention be carried out on the affected sections. The Federal Government has restated its commitment to completing the long-delayed expansion of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, describing the road as one of Nigeria’s most important economic corridors.
Motorists and commercial drivers have repeatedly raised concerns over accidents on Kara Bridge, blaming damaged road joints and poor traffic control. The FRSC has deployed more officers and patrol vehicles to the highway to manage traffic and reduce accidents during repair works.
The Ogun State Federal Controller of Works, Michael Komolafe, apologized for the inconvenience and assured motorists that enhanced traffic management measures would be implemented to ensure swift and safe repairs. He emphasized that safety would remain a priority throughout the construction period.
The repair works are expected to minimize disruptions, and motorists are advised to plan ahead and explore alternative routes.
