As Lagos commissions Oyingbo overpass
The Federal Government, on Sunday, sought the cooperation of motorists as comprehensive repairs on Third Mainland Bridge commences today. Federal Controller of Works, Lagos, Olukorede Kesha, who spoke to newsmen, revealed that the closing of two ramps of Third Mainland Bridge was for two weeks comprehensive repairs.
According to her, the two access ramps to Adekunle inward will be closed to traffic from today November 6, 2023 by 9:00a.m., advising motorists to use alternative routes like Ikorodu Road, Murtala Mohammed Way.
“If you’re coming from Iyana-Oworo you can go straight, and if you’re heading for Lagos Island, the road is still free for you, the Bridge is free for you. You can use it straight to the Island. If you’re going to Adekunle, you will not be able to do that. That’s coming from Iyana-Oworo now. You will not be able to do that.
“For emphasis, we’re saying that if you’re coming from Lagos, Ibadan, coming from Toll gate, and you’re going to Adekunle and you want to use Third Mainland Bridge, by 9am today, you will not be able to do that. So, you have to use the alternatives that have been provided like Ojota and Gbagada.
“And if you’re coming from the Island, you can go straight. You’re heading towards Iyana-Oworo, Toll gate to Ibadan. The road is free for access,” she explained.
She noted that the main bridge deck will not be closed today. Kesha added that the ramps coming out of Adekunle into Lagos Island and Oworo to Lagos Ibadan Express way will also be closed, noting that the four ramps will be closed for about five weeks.
She added that the traffic management put in place is for LASTMA to be at those strategic locations, to ensure that motorists are guided properly.
“There will be traffic signs, informative signs have already been put in place. We started putting it in place, informing motorists that Third Mainland Bridge is closed to motorists going to Adekunle.
“The digital billboards will carry the display. So, it will be everywhere, from Oshodi, from Berger, from Adeniji, the digital billboard will carry it telling everyone that Adekunle of Third Mainland Bridge is closed, but motorists should take alternative routes,” she stated.
Kesha explained further that the comprehensive repair is to fix the missing guard rails, paint them, build the asphalt completely, add a new asphalt, replace the deflected joints, and put solar light everywhere, among others.
Also, Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has implored motorists to exercise patience and cooperate with traffic and law enforcement officers to minimise the inconvenience that will be experienced during the period of the rehabilitation of Third Mainland Bridge.
Speaking, yesterday, at the commissioning of Oyingbo Overpass Bridge, Sanwo-Olu said that the newly commissioned bridge will provide a lot of relief to motorists as the Federal Ministry of Transport commences the rehabilitation of the Third Mainland Bridge and the total overlay of its pavement.
The governor said President Bola Tinubu has been very supportive to the state in the completion of the RedLine Rail Project and other projects in the state, though he will not reveal the details now. He said the president would commission the redline rail project, which is nearing completion before the end of the year.
The Managing Director of Lagos Area Metropolitan Transport Authority (LAMATA), Abimbola Akinajo, thanked all the stakeholders for their cooperation and support that led to the successful completion of the bridge.
She said five of the overpass bridges allocated to Lagos State, among the ten-level crossings identified along the Redline Rail project, are completed. She added that the testing of the Red Line will be in the first quarter of next year, while commercial operations will follow thereafter.
