Lagos Govt Announces Date to Close 3rd Mainland Bridge for Repairs

The Lagos State government has said plans have been concluded to commence the repairs of the Third Mainland Bridge by the Federal Ministry of Works with the partial closure of Iyana-Oworonshoki- Adeniji Adele bound for the effective work of the entire section of the bridge.

Commissioner for Transportation, Oluwaseun Osiyemi, who announced this on Thursday, explained that the closure was part of the on-going work that started in November 2023 focusing on fixing the ramps, and now, the remaining parts of the bridge would also be repaired in phases.

According to Osiyemi, “In line with the earlier notifications, the Lagos State Government wishes to remind the motoring public that the repairs of the Third Mainland Bridge by the Federal Ministry of Works will continue with the closure of Iyana Oworonshoki- Adeniji Adele bound for the effective repairs of the entire section of the bridge.

“The closure is part of the ongoing work that started in November 2023 focusing on fixing the ramps, and now, the remaining parts of the bridge will also be repaired.

“However, to ease the burden of commuting, the following arrangements have been made.

“From 12am to 12 noon, the bridge is open for Mainland Inbound Island travels, while those who intend to come from the Island to the Mainland are advised to use Eko Bridge.

“Conversely, from 12 noon to midnight, Motorists will be able to access the bridge from the Island to the Mainland while motorists from the Mainland heading towards the Island will have to use Eko Bridge.

“These timings have been selected to match the peak period flow of traffic and reduce travel stress. Please cooperate with our traffic management officials who will be helping out.

“Thanks for your usual understanding and cooperation. Let’s work together to keep our roads safe.”

Recall that the Federal Government had earlier announced plans to close a section of the bridge from the second week of 2024 in two phases.

Each phase is scheduled to last for six weeks.

The Federal Controller of Works, Lagos State, Mrs. Olukorede Kesha, who announced this in a statement explained that the planned closure would commence from 11: am on Tuesday, January 9, 2024.

Kesha said the first phase of the closure would be done on the Lagos Island-bound carriageway of the bridge.

She, therefore, appealed to motorists to obey traffic rules and use alternative routes to prevent hardship as comprehensive repairs continue on the highway.

The 11.8 km Third Mainland Bridge had witnessed series of rehabilitation in recent times before the latest planned repairs.

The bridge which will be undergoing comprehensive rehabilitation is the longest of three bridges connecting Lagos Island to the Mainland and the second in Africa.

The statement read in part: “The Federal Government through the Federal Ministry of Works wishes to inform the motoring public that the emergency repairs of Third Mainland Bridge in Lagos will continue with the closure of Iyana Oworonshoki-Adeniji Adele bound for the effective repairs of the entire section of the bridge.

“After six weeks of completion of the section, the next phase will move to Adeniji-Adele-Iyana Oworosonki end of the bridge for another six weeks of closure.

Travel Advisory

“Consequent upon the above, motorists are hereby advised to use alternative routes and links to include: Ojota-Ikorodu Road-Funsho Williams Avenue-Eko Bridge-Apogbon-CMS and Ojota-Ikorodu Road-Jibowu-Yaba-Oyingbo-Iddo-Carter Bridge-CMS.

“Also motorists can make use of Gbagada-Anthony-Ikorodu Road-Funsho Williams-Eko Bridge-Apogbon-CMS.

“Motorists are further advised to cooperate with the traffic management officials deployed to manage traffic and ensure hitch-free movements to minimise discomfort during this repair period.

“While thanking the general public for their past cooperation and understanding, more is expected this time.”