The Federal Government, through the Federal Ministry of Works, has 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 the Arepo–Punch Bridge.
According to the ministry of works, the temporary closure is required to enable the resumption of critical rehabilitation works on the Lagos-bound section of Kara Bridge, which were earlier suspended due to complaints from motorists over persistent traffic congestion.
Speaking to journalists at Kara Bridge, the Ogun State Federal Controller of Works, Michael Komolafe, under ministry of works apologised to road users for the inconvenience and assured them that improved traffic control measures would be put in place to guarantee smooth flow and ensure the safe and timely completion of the repairs.
He noted that the deterioration of the expansion joints on the three bridges posed significant safety risks and had contributed to traffic accidents.
“The Minister of Works, David Umahi, has directed urgent repairs to prevent further incidents,” Komolafe said.
The contractor overseeing the project in ministry of works, Andy Duan, General Manager of CBC Construction Company, provided details on the scope of work. He stated that repair works on the Lagos-bound sections of Magboro and Arepo–Punch bridges had already been completed, and attention would now shift to the Ibadan-bound sides.
“At Kara Bridge, half of the Lagos-bound section has been completed, and we will now focus on the remaining portion,” Duan said.
“The expansion joints at Kara Bridge are in very poor condition and have been a major cause of traffic accidents. We will mobilise equipment over the weekend and begin full construction on Monday. Each bridge will be worked on in phases, with completion of half of each expansion joint expected within a week,” he added.
Duan of ministry of works also said that traffic safety would be a priority during the works, with barriers, warning signs, and lights installed to protect both motorists and workers.
Meanwhile, the Lagos State Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps, FRSC, Kehinde Hamzat, urged motorists to exercise patience and adhere to traffic regulations during the construction period. He warned against driving against traffic, noting that violators would face sanctions.
Hamzat emphasised that the repairs were essential to address failing expansion joints, which had created hazardous ditches and contributed to accidents, particularly on Kara Bridge.
