Wednesday, April 23, 2025 - The Federal Ministry of Works has announced a 60-day closure of the Marine Bridge in Lagos beginning from Sunday, April 27, as part of ongoing structural repairs.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily on Tuesday,
the Federal Controller of Works for Lagos State, Olukorede Kesha, said the
first section at the beginning of the bridge will completely close for 20 days.
This initial closure will likely cause major traffic
problems around Apapa, Ijora, and Iganmu.
Kesha explained that the Marine Bridge, which people often
mistake for the Ijora Bridge, will undergo repairs in phases. Workers will lift
the bridge at three important sections to replace old bearings.
“This phase
of the repair involves replacing about 50 bearings. To do that, we need to lift
the bridge at specific points. The first section at the beginning of the bridge
will require a full closure for 20 days,” she added.
After the first phase, the repairs won’t require total
closures.
“The second
section is around the middle of the bridge, and we plan to divert traffic
there. The two lanes from Iganmu will be merged, so we can shift traffic to one
side for another 20 days,” she explained.
Kesha said the final repair section will be at the bridge’s
descent into Apapa, near Area B Police Command. Traffic will be diverted there
for another 20 days, making the entire project last about 60 days. However, the
worst traffic problems will happen during the first 20 days when the bridge is
completely closed.
For drivers of large trucks, Kesha recommended different
routes to avoid traffic jams. “If you’re an articulated truck (driver), don’t
come through Ijora. From Costain, link Iganmu and head straight to Apapa,” she
advised. “Smaller vehicles or trucks with business around Ijora 7up can turn
left at the roundabout and use the access route up to the bridge,” she added.
Kesha mentioned that an earlier unplanned closure in April had caused
severe traffic in parts of Lagos. She assured that the public had been notified
early about the closure and traffic plans to minimise problems.
Kesha also encouraged drivers to follow road signs, pay attention to diversion markings, and check traffic updates throughout the repair period.
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