Nigerian government announces six-week closure of Lagos–Ibadan Expressway

The Nigerian Government, on Thursday, announced a six-week partial closure of the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway to carry out urgent repairs on expansion joints at Kara Bridge, Magboro Bridge, and Arepo axis.

Penpushing reports that the Federal Ministry of Works, explained that the closure became necessary to resume critical rehabilitation works that were previously suspended on the Lagos-bound section of Kara Bridge after public complaints about prolonged traffic congestion.

The Ogun State Federal Controller of Works, Michael Komolafe, speaking with journalists at Kara apologised to motorists for the inconvenience and assured that improved traffic management arrangements would be implemented to ensure swift and durable repairs.

Penpushing further reports that Komolafe explained that the expansion joints on the three bridges had deteriorated significantly, posing safety risks and contributing to crashes, emphasizing that the Minister of Works, David Umahi, had directed that urgent repairs be carried out.

The Controller of Works explained that work had already been completed on half of the Lagos-bound sections of Magboro and Arepo bridges, while the remaining portions on the Ibadan-bound side would now be addressed.

Penpushing also reports that General Manager of CBC Construction Company handling the project, Andy Duan, emphasized that the repairs would take six weeks, with mobilisation of equipment to be completed over the weekend and full construction expected to begin on Monday.

The General Manager disclosed that parts of the expansion joints at Magboro and Arepo bridges had been completed, while half of the Lagos-bound section at Kara Bridge was already done.

“At Kara Bridge, we have finished half of it. So we are facing the other half of it. Instead of causing traffic, that’s why we suspended the work temporarily. Now we are getting instructions from the Ministry of Works to resolve this issue,” Duan said.

Penpushing reports that he explained that the condition of the expansion joint for Kara Bridge was very poor and had been causing accidents, stressing tha before the diversion begins, materials such as barriers would be brought in to protect the temporary working area.

The company boss stated that traffic signs, warning lights, and other safety measures would be installed to ensure that traffic moves safely and workers are protected, adding that the work is expected to start immediately

“We are supposed to start immediately, but we are shifting it to Monday. We expect to complete half of each expansion joint within a week. For the Ibadan-bound side, covering three bridges, we will divide the work into phases so each bridge takes about a week’, he said.

Penpushing further reports that the Lagos State Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps, Kehinde Hamzat, on his part assured motorists that measures had been put in place to ensure smooth traffic flow during the construction period.

The Sector Commander warned against driving against traffic, pointing out that violators would be sanctioned adding that the repairs were prompted by reports of failing expansion joints that had caused ditches and crashes, particularly on Kara Bridge.

Penpushing also reports that Hamzat appealed to motorists to cooperate and exercise patience, describing the closure as a necessary step to improve road safety and infrastructure.

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