The Federal Government has initiated a six-week partial closure of the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway to carry out urgent repairs on critical expansion joints at three key bridges: Kara Bridge, Magboro Bridge, and Arepo-Punch Bridge. The intervention aims to address severe safety hazards and persistent traffic congestion on this major national economic corridor.
The Federal Ministry of Works explained that the partial closure, focusing on sections of the Lagos-bound lanes, became necessary after earlier rehabilitation efforts were suspended due to public complaints over prolonged traffic delays. Speaking at Kara Bridge, the Ogun State Federal Controller of Works, Michael Komolafe, apologized for the anticipated inconvenience. He assured that enhanced traffic management measures would be deployed to facilitate swift and safe repairs, noting that the deteriorated expansion joints posed significant accident risks.
Komolafe stated that the Minister of Works, David Umahi, had directed the urgent works to prevent further incidents. He confirmed that repair work on the Lagos-bound sides of Magboro and Arepo-Punch bridges is already complete, with focus now shifting to the corresponding Ibadan-bound sections.
Andy Duan, General Manager of the project’s contractor, CBC Construction Company, provided operational details. He specified that at Kara Bridge, half of the Lagos-bound section is complete, and work will now continue on the remaining portion. “The expansion joints at Kara Bridge are in very poor condition and have been a major cause of traffic accidents,” Duan said, adding that equipment mobilization would occur over the weekend with full construction commencing Monday. Each bridge will be worked on in phased segments, targeting the completion of half of each joint within a week. Traffic safety protocols, including barriers, warning signs, and lighting, will be strictly enforced to protect motorists and workers.
Meanwhile, the Lagos State Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Kehinde Hamzat, urged motorists to exercise patience and strictly observe traffic regulations during the construction period. He warned that driving against traffic would attract sanctions, emphasizing that the failing expansion joints—particularly at Kara Bridge—had created hazardous ditches and directly contributed to accidents.
The partial closure underscores the ongoing challenges of maintaining critical infrastructure on one of Nigeria’s busiest highways. Motorists are advised to anticipate delays, seek alternative routes where possible, and comply with all traffic management directives for the duration of the six-week repair window.
