The Federal Government is set to shut the Third Mainland Bridge, the longest bridge in Nigeria located in Lagos State, for six months for maintenance.
The development was confirmed to newsmen by the Lagos Federal Controller of Works, Mr. Olukayode Popoola.
The closure will start from Friday, July 24 and is hoped to have been completed withing six months.
Both lanes will be closed one after the other for 3 months each.
People who work on the Island but lives in Gbagada, Ogudu, Anthony and adjourning areas are expected to be adversely affected.
According to Mr. Popoola, consultations are ongoing for another phase of repair works to begin on the 11.8km bridge.
The Federal Controller of Works explained that the work will commence on the outward mainland section of the bridge.
He also explained that the ministry is working with relevant agencies to bring traffic under control during the period.
The bridge has gone through a series of repair works and was last shut in August 2018 for a three-day investigative maintenance check. Related Posts
There have also been reports of some worn-out expansion joints on the structure, raising concerns over the state of the bridge.
This development will force motorists in Lagos who ply the bridge to begin making arrangements for alternative routes.
When contacted, traffic authorities expressed concern that the closure will caused serious challenges.
They, however, raised hopes that they will improvise and come up with viable alternatives to the situation.
Meanwhile, residents of Lagos have appealed to the governor, Mr. Jide sanwoolu to, if possible rescind the decision.
They lamented that with Eko Bridge still closed, the New Costain bridge unfinished, the type of rainy season not witnessed in a while, this could hardly be the right time to close the Third Mainland bridge.
“Surulere is going to be a total mess to get around!” lamented a Lagos resident.
“My own problem with the Third Mainland Bridge closure for repairs is: why was it not done during the lockdown?” wondered Wale Adetona.
Source: Elombah News