The Lagos State Government has reopened the Ogudu-Ifako Bridge to traffic following the completion of repair works on 400 metres of its four expansion joints.
The project, which required partial closure of the bridge from June 28, was originally expected to take 100 days. However, the works were completed in just 73 days, restoring full access on one of Lagos’s busiest corridors ahead of schedule.
According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the first four phases of the repairs, covering the Ogudu/Ifako inbound Alapere stretch, were completed between June 28 and August 16. The fifth to eighth phases, covering the inbound Oworoshoki axis, commenced in August and have also been successfully concluded.
Special Adviser on Infrastructure, Mr. Olufemi Daramola, and Commissioner for Transportation, Mr. Seun Osiyemi, led an inspection of the project before declaring the bridge open.
Daramola said the intervention was necessary to prevent further damage to the expansion joints, which could have compromised safety. He added that the project, initially scheduled for 101 days, was completed in 78 days due to the cooperation of stakeholders and commitment of the contractors.
“We undertook this repair to guarantee safety. Thankfully, with the cooperation of the people, we have been able to deliver ahead of schedule,” he said. He commended residents for enduring the inconvenience of the partial closure, stressing that the bridge is now fully open without restrictions.
Daramola also disclosed that engineers would turn attention to the Maza-Maza area, where similar maintenance works are planned.
Commissioner Osiyemi thanked Lagosians for their patience, describing the project as a collective success. “This success belongs to everyone. Lagosians endured the inconveniences and supported the process. We sincerely appreciate your perseverance and patience,” he said.
He reminded residents to protect public facilities, noting that they are funded with taxpayers’ money. He further highlighted similar completed works at Odo-Iyalaro and Apongbon bridges, with several other projects underway.
“Our focus remains the delivery of safe, durable and sustainable infrastructure for a greater Lagos. We will need the same cooperation in future projects,” Osiyemi added.
For commuters, the reopening comes as a relief. Ms. Adebisi Adesesan said the development would ease traffic congestion. “We suffered long hours during the closure, but this is worth it,” she said.
A commercial driver, Mr. Taofeek Shittu, noted that the reopening would reduce fuel costs and travel time. “Traffic was terrible. This reopening is a big relief for us,” he said.
Follow us on all social media platforms @dailyquery for news and analyses around the globe.
