The Federal Government has announced a six-week partial closure of the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway to allow urgent repairs on critical expansion joints at Kara Bridge, Magboro Bridge and Arepo–Punch Bridge.
The Federal Ministry of Works said the closure would enable the resumption of rehabilitation works earlier suspended on the Lagos-bound section of Kara Bridge, following complaints by motorists over severe and prolonged traffic congestion.
Speaking to journalists at Kara Bridge, the Ogun State Federal Controller of Works, Michael Komolafe, apologised to road users for the inconvenience and assured them that improved traffic management measures would be put in place to ensure safety and minimise delays during the repair period.
Komolafe explained that the expansion joints on the three bridges had deteriorated significantly, posing serious safety risks and contributing to road traffic accidents. He said the Minister of Works, David Umahi, approved the urgent intervention to prevent further incidents.
The project contractor, Andy Duan, General Manager of CBC Construction Company, said repairs on the Lagos-bound sections of Magboro and Arepo–Punch bridges had been completed, with work now shifting to the Ibadan-bound sections.
“At Kara Bridge, half of the Lagos-bound section has been completed, and attention will now move to the remaining portion,” Duan said, adding that the expansion joints were in extremely poor condition and a major cause of accidents. He noted that full construction would begin on Monday, with each bridge handled in phases and half of each expansion joint expected to be completed within a week.
Duan also assured motorists that safety measures, including barriers, warning signs and lights, would be deployed throughout the construction period to protect both road users and workers.
Meanwhile, the Lagos State Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps, Kehinde Hamzat, urged motorists to remain patient and comply with traffic rules. He warned against driving against traffic, stressing that violators would be sanctioned, and described the repairs as necessary to address hazardous bridge conditions, particularly at Kara Bridge.