The Lagos State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring smooth traffic flow and public safety as it commences the 64-day rehabilitation of the 20-kilometre Lekki–Epe Expressway.
The assurance was given on Tuesday by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Transportation, Hon. Sola Giwa, who said comprehensive and well-coordinated traffic management measures have been put in place to minimise inconvenience to motorists during the construction period.
Addressing officers of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), Hon. Giwa clarified that the rehabilitation will not require a full closure of the expressway. Instead, traffic control efforts will be strategically focused on key intersections and critical points along the corridor to ensure continuous vehicular movement.
He disclosed that traffic management plans have been carefully designed and implemented in phases, with the deployment of over 305 LASTMA operatives to strengthen the three existing traffic management zones along the Lekki–Epe axis.
According to him, the expanded deployment is aimed at guaranteeing free flow of traffic, quick response to incidents and strict enforcement of traffic regulations to maintain order and road safety.
Hon. Giwa attributed the rising traffic volume on the corridor to the rapid growth of economic and infrastructural activities in the area, including the Lekki Deep Sea Port, Lekki Free Trade Zone, Dangote Refinery and other emerging commercial and industrial developments.
To prevent traffic gridlock arising from vehicle breakdowns, he said LASTMA has deployed a range of high, medium and low-capacity recovery vehicles, including tow trucks, to ensure prompt removal of obstructions.
He also revealed that the agency will deploy drone technology for real-time aerial monitoring to swiftly detect, assess and address traffic incidents along the Lekki–Epe Expressway and other strategic routes across the state.
The Special Adviser added that the traffic management framework includes the installation of clear directional signage, improved lighting and other essential safety features. He noted that officers of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) and Kick Against Indiscipline (KAI) have also been deployed to support LASTMA operations and enhance security throughout the rehabilitation period.
Motorists were advised to make use of alternative routes to ease traffic pressure, with Hon. Giwa specifically recommending the Coaster Road from Ogombo through Abraham Adesanya.
He urged road users to remain patient, obey traffic rules and cooperate with traffic officials, stressing that discipline and collective responsibility are crucial to the success of the project.
Hon. Giwa further encouraged the public to promptly report traffic-related incidents via the LASTMA toll-free hotline: 080000527862, assuring residents of swift and professional response.
The Lagos State Government appealed for the understanding and cooperation of all road users as it undertakes the critical road rehabilitation aimed at improving mobility, safety and sustainable economic growth across the state.
— Lagos Panorama Online News
