The Federal Controller of Works in Lagos, Mrs. Olukorede Kesha, made the announcement on Monday during an inspection tour of the bridge. She revealed that the repair project had reached a critical phase involving the replacement of approximately 50 faulty bearings underneath the bridge deck.

“This bridge has been under phased repairs for some time,” Kesha said. “We are now at the final stage, which involves lifting the entire bridge deck to replace worn-out components that are essential for structural stability.”

The Ijora Bridge is a vital route linking the Ijora Causeway to Apapa, home to the Tincan Island and Apapa Ports, two of Nigeria’s busiest maritime hubs. The closure, while temporary, is expected to cause traffic disruptions in and around Apapa.

To minimize congestion, the Ministry of Works has outlined alternative traffic routes:

Motorists approaching from Ijora will be diverted through the Seven Up Roundabout to access Apapa.

Heavy trucks will be rerouted via Costain and Iganmu.

Kesha urged road users to remain patient and cooperate with traffic management officials during the construction period. She also addressed public concerns about visible vibrations on the bridge.

“The bridge is not at risk of collapse,” she assured, “but the vibrations felt by drivers are due to the severely worn bearings that now act like weakened springs beneath the deck.”

This marks the first major overhaul of the Ijora Bridge since its construction decades ago. While the initial deck-lifting and bearing replacement will require total closure, Kesha noted that later stages such as resurfacing may be conducted on Sundays to reduce traffic inconvenience.

She added that the Minister of Works, Senator Dave Umahi, has instructed that all planned bridge closures must be widely publicized to ensure public safety and understanding.

“We want the public to know this work is critical and for their own safety. With everyone’s support, we can finish quickly and reopen a safer, stronger bridge.”

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