Federal Government to Fully Close Ijora Bridge from April 27 for Major Repairs, Cites Safety Concerns and Urgent Need to Replace 50 Defective Bearings
The Federal Government has announced the complete closure of the Ijora Bridge in Lagos starting April 27 to carry out critical repair works.
Federal Controller of Works in Lagos, Mrs. Olukorede Kesha, disclosed this during a bridge inspection on Monday. She explained that the bridge, which links Ijora Causeway to Apapa, requires urgent and comprehensive repairs, including the replacement of about 50 defective bearings beneath the deck.
“This bridge has been awarded in phases. We are now in the final phase, which involves lifting the entire deck to change the faulty bearings,” Kesha stated.
She stressed the importance of the bridge as a key access route to Apapa, home to Nigeria’s busiest ports—Tincan and Apapa ports. Although she acknowledged the inconvenience the closure might cause, she emphasized that it was necessary for public safety and to avoid further structural damage.
To ease traffic during the closure, motorists from Ijora will be diverted through the Seven Up Roundabout to reconnect to Apapa, while heavy-duty trucks will be rerouted via Costain through Iganmu.
Kesha assured the public that the Ministry of Works has planned alternative routes to minimize gridlock, and urged road users to cooperate and remain patient.
She noted that the ministry received reports from concerned citizens about noticeable vibrations on the bridge, adding that while the structure is not at risk of collapse, it needs urgent intervention.
“It won’t collapse, but it definitely needs help,” she said. “This is the first major repair on the bridge since it was built decades ago.”
The initial phase, involving deck lifting and bearing replacement, will require full closure, while subsequent asphalt works may be scheduled on Sundays to reduce traffic disruptions.
Kesha emphasized the importance of public awareness, stating that the Minister of Works, Sen. Dave Umahi, has mandated wide publicity for any bridge closure. She appealed for public understanding, assuring that timely cooperation will help complete the project efficiently.
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