Mrs. Olukorede Kesha, the Federal Controller of Works in Lagos, expressed her satisfaction with the repairs and pledged a smooth driving experience until the comprehensive rehabilitation begins in January 2024. The bridge was reopened to traffic at approximately 7 p.m., marking the end of the repair work.
The closure was initially announced for 24 hours to allow essential repairs to some critical areas. It commenced at midnight on Saturday and concluded at midnight on Sunday, aiming to alleviate the challenges faced by motorists.
During the inspection, Mrs. Kesha verified the remedial repairs over a 9.7-kilometer stretch of the Lagos Island in-bound lane, from Iyana-Oworo to Adeniji-Adele. She noted that this repair was palliative, ensuring the road remains in good condition until the comprehensive rehabilitation scheduled for January 2024.
The rehabilitation will include total removal and replacement of the asphalt surface, replacement of damaged ramps and expansion joints, painting of parapet walls, and various other major repairs. While the contract will span six months, it will be divided into two three-month phases.
Road users applauded the repairs done during the weekend, especially the timing during the off-peak period. However, they urged more frequent maintenance and proactive measures to keep the bridge free of potholes. They also called for increased funding and regular maintenance of the bridge and other roads in Lagos.
“Tinubu knows how to grow the economy; that’s why he did the repairs after we had finished business on the Island on Saturday, and because people are plenty in Lagos, doing repairs on the weekend is better.
“I like the one-day repair; the government should be doing it like that at weekends and also at night. May God help our president,” she said.
Other road users praised Tinubu and called for more funding for federal road projects in the state. The 11.8-kilometer bridge is the longest of the three connecting Lagos Island to the mainland. Starting from Oworonshoki, it links the Apapa-Oshodi expressway and Lagos-Ibadan expressway, ending at the Adeniji-Adele interchange on Lagos Island.
It was constructed in 1990, it was Africa's longest bridge until the Oct. 6 Bridge in Cairo, Egypt, was completed in 1996.
