The Federal Government has officially handed over the construction of a new Carter Bridge in Lagos to China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) as part of efforts to strengthen critical infrastructure and improve public safety.
The handover ceremony took place at Carter Bridge on Lagos Island, according to a statement issued in Abuja by the spokesperson to the Minister of Works, Francis Nwaze.
Umahi Explains Need For New Bridge
Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, said the decision to reconstruct the bridge followed years of structural investigations that revealed serious defects beneath both Carter Bridge and the 3rd Mainland Bridge.
According to Umahi, underwater investigations into the structural integrity of the bridges first began in 2013, with another assessment conducted in 2019.
“The past administration commissioned an investigation of what was happening with the structural elements below the water, and that was in 2013. And the very disturbing defects were noticed in Carter Bridge and 3rd Mainland Bridge,” Umahi said.
Investigations Revealed Structural Defects
The minister explained that after the current administration assumed office, additional underwater investigations were carried out involving geologists and specialist divers.
The findings reportedly confirmed that some of the bridge piles had shifted from their pile caps, raising concerns about the long-term stability of the structures.
Umahi disclosed that the Federal Government subsequently engaged local and foreign bridge experts, stakeholders, and members of the National Assembly to determine the best engineering solution.
FG Chooses Reconstruction Over Repairs
According to the minister, experts advised that repairing the Carter Bridge would cost nearly twice the amount required to build a completely new bridge.
Following technical reviews and consultations, the Federal Government approved the construction of a modern replacement bridge to ensure safety and durability.
The project forms part of the Tinubu administration’s infrastructure renewal agenda aimed at protecting critical national assets and improving transportation networks across the country.
