The Federal Government has announced a six week partial closure of the Lagos Ibadan Expressway to carry out urgent repairs on damaged expansion joints at Kara Bridge, Magboro Bridge and Arepo Punch Bridge.
The Federal Ministry of Works said the temporary closure is necessary to resume critical rehabilitation works earlier suspended on the Lagos bound section of Kara Bridge due to concerns over prolonged traffic congestion. The ministry explained that the deteriorating expansion joints on the affected bridges pose serious safety risks and have contributed to road accidents.
Speaking at Kara Bridge, the Ogun State Federal Controller of Works, Michael Komolafe, apologised to motorists for the anticipated inconvenience. He assured road users that improved traffic management strategies would be deployed to ensure smooth flow of vehicles and timely completion of the repairs. He added that the Minister of Works, David Umahi, had directed immediate intervention to prevent further incidents.
The contractor handling the project, Andy Duan, General Manager of CBC Construction Company, said repairs on the Lagos bound sections of Magboro and Arepo Punch bridges have been completed, with work set to commence on the Ibadan bound sections. At Kara Bridge, he noted that half of the Lagos bound side has been fixed, while construction will now focus on the remaining portion.
Duan disclosed that equipment would be mobilised over the weekend, with full construction beginning on Monday. Each bridge will be repaired in phases, with half of each expansion joint expected to be completed within one week. He assured motorists that safety measures, including installation of barriers, warning signs and lighting, would be implemented.
Also speaking, the Lagos State Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps, Kehinde Hamzat, urged motorists to remain patient and obey traffic regulations, warning that offenders driving against traffic would be sanctioned. He stressed that the repairs are critical to eliminating hazardous ditches and improving safety along the expressway.
