In a move aimed at ensuring the safety and functionality of the Third Mainland Bridge in Lagos, the Federal Government, through the Federal Ministry of Works, is set to close all ramps of the bridge to traffic, starting from 7 am on Monday.
This critical announcement was made by the Federal Controller of Works in Lagos State, Olukorede Keisha, in an official statement released on Friday.
The extensive repair works on the iconic Third Mainland Bridge are set to address long-standing structural issues and ensure the bridge’s longevity. With the impending closure of all four ramps connecting Adekunle to the Third Mainland Bridge, commuters are urged to make use of alternative routes during this period.
In her statement, Keisha conveyed the government’s commitment to conducting comprehensive repairs, stating, “The Federal Government, through the Federal Ministry of Works, wishes to inform the motoring public that the government has perfected plans to carry out comprehensive repairs of Third Mainland Bridge in Lagos. Given the above, the motoring public is, hereby, notified that all four ramps connecting Adekunle to Third Mainland Bridge will be closed at the same time going forward.”
“Consequently, motorists are, hereby, advised to use alternative routes while cooperating with the traffic management officials deployed to manage traffic and ensure hitch-free movement,” she said.
In preparation for the extensive rehabilitation project, the closure of the Adekunle ramp took place on November 6. Subsequently, on November 9, the Minister of Works, David Umahi, and the Lagos State government jointly inaugurated the comprehensive rehabilitation project, which is estimated to cost over N21.074 billion.
Minister Umahi assured the public that the repairs of the four ramps at Adekunle/Adeniji would be completed before December 13, in time for the Christmas and New Year celebrations. Furthermore, maintenance work on the main carriageways is scheduled to commence in January 2024.
Importantly, the main carriageways of the Third Mainland Bridge, both Island and mainland-bound, will remain open to traffic throughout the repair period. The Adekunle section of the bridge consists of four ramps, all converging at a single point, and the repair project aims to complete all necessary repairs within a span of five weeks.
As the government embarks on this critical infrastructure improvement project, motorists are encouraged to cooperate with traffic management officials and utilize alternative routes to minimize inconvenience during this period.
The repairs signify a commitment to the safety and long-term viability of one of Lagos’ most vital transportation arteries, the Third Mainland Bridge.