The Lagos–Ibadan Expressway will be partially closed for a six-week period. This is to allow for the repairs of failing expansion joints on three critical bridges, the Federal Government has announced.
The affected bridges, according to the Ogun State Federal Controller of Works, Michael Komolafe, are at Kara, Magboro and Arepo–Punch.
Motorists had raised concerns over severe traffic congestion caused by failings on some portions of the road. The federal ministry of works said the decision is to allow for the immediate commencement of rehabilitation works that were earlier put on hold. These will take place on the Lagos-bound section of Kara Bridge.
Speaking with journalists during an inspection of the Kara bridge, Komolafe appealed to road users for any inconvenience that may be experienced as a result of the closure, while assuring that traffic management measures would be put in place.
He explained that the expansion joints on the three bridges had deteriorated significantly, creating safety hazards and contributing to road crashes. He noted that the Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi, had directed immediate intervention on the affected sections.
According to him, repair work has already been completed on half of the Lagos-bound sections at Magboro and Arepo–Punch bridges. The remaining portions — including the Ibadan-bound lanes — will now be addressed in phases. He said according to estimates given by the contractors handling the work, the repairs will last for six weeks.
He said full construction activities will commence on Monday. “At Kara Bridge, we have finished half of it and are now facing the remaining section. We earlier suspended work to avoid excessive traffic disruption, but work will commence on Monday,” he said.
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