The Federal Government, through the Federal Ministry of Works, has announced a six-week partial closure of the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway to enable urgent repairs on deteriorated expansion joints at Kara Bridge, Magboro Bridge, and Arepo–Punch Bridge.
The Federal Controller of Works in Ogun State, Michael Komolafe, made the announcement while addressing journalists at Kara Bridge.
Komolafe said the partial closure became necessary to resume critical rehabilitation works that had earlier been suspended on the Lagos-bound section of Kara Bridge following complaints from motorists over prolonged traffic congestion.
“We sincerely apologise to road users for the inconvenience this repair work will cause,” Komolafe said.
“However, we have put traffic management measures in place to ensure that repairs are carried out quickly and effectively.”
He explained that inspections revealed that the expansion joints on the three bridges had deteriorated significantly, posing safety risks to motorists.
“The expansion joints at Kara, Magboro and Arepo–Punch bridges are in very bad condition. They have contributed to crashes and must be urgently fixed,” Komolafe stated.
According to him, the Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi, directed that immediate action be taken to address the situation.
“The Honourable Minister of Works has instructed that these repairs be carried out without delay to safeguard lives and property,” he added.
Komolafe disclosed that repair works had already been completed on half of the Lagos-bound sections of Magboro and Arepo–Punch bridges.
“We have finished half of the Lagos-bound sections of Magboro and Arepo–Punch bridges. The remaining portions, particularly on the Ibadan-bound side, will now be addressed,” he said.
Also speaking, the General Manager of CBC Construction Company, the contractor handling the project, Andy Duan, said the repair works would last six weeks.
“The work will take about six weeks. We are mobilising our equipment over the weekend, and full construction will begin on Monday,” Duan said.
He noted that parts of the expansion joints at Magboro and Arepo–Punch bridges had already been repaired, while half of the Lagos-bound section of Kara Bridge had been completed.
“At Kara Bridge, we have finished half of it. Now we are facing the other half. We had to suspend work temporarily to avoid causing excessive traffic, but we have now received instructions from the Ministry of Works to resolve the issue,” he explained.
Duan described the condition of the Kara Bridge expansion joint as poor, noting that it had contributed to accidents.
“The expansion joint at Kara Bridge was in a very bad condition and has been responsible for several crashes,” he said.
He added that safety measures would be put in place before diversion begins.
“Before the diversion starts, we will bring in barriers to protect the work area. Traffic signs, warning lights and other safety facilities will also be installed to ensure smooth traffic flow and the safety of workers,” Duan said.
He explained that the work would be carried out in phases.
“We expect to complete half of each expansion joint within one week. For the Ibadan-bound side, covering the three bridges, the work will be phased so that each bridge takes about a week,” he added.
Meanwhile, the Lagos State Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Kehinde Hamzat, assured motorists that measures had been put in place to manage traffic during the repair period.
“We have deployed personnel and traffic management measures to ensure smooth flow during the construction period,” Hamzat said.
He warned motorists against driving against traffic.
“Motorists must not drive against traffic. Anyone found doing so will be sanctioned,” he warned.
Hamzat said the repairs were prompted by reports of failing expansion joints that had created ditches and caused crashes, particularly at Kara Bridge.
“This closure is necessary to address safety concerns. We urge motorists to cooperate, exercise patience and obey traffic rules while the work lasts,” he said.
