On Sunday evening, the Federal Government swiftly reopened the Third Mainland Bridge, just a day after it was closed for necessary maintenance. Mrs. Olukorede Kesha, the Federal Controller of Works in Lagos, expressed contentment with the repairs, assuring drivers of a smooth journey until the comprehensive rehabilitation begins in January 2024.
She confirmed this during an inspection of the bridge’s repairs. The reopening took place around 7 p.m. after the completion of the repair work. Earlier in the week, Kesha had announced a 24-hour bridge closure for critical repairs, starting from midnight on Saturday and ending at midnight on Sunday, to alleviate difficulties faced by motorists.
The inspection covered various sections between Iyana-Oworo and Adeniji-Adele, where remedial repairs were carried out on a 9.7-kilometer stretch of the Lagos Island-bound lane. Kesha clarified that the recent work was temporary, ensuring the road remains in good condition until the comprehensive rehabilitation in January 2024.
She emphasized that the upcoming rehabilitation involves a complete removal and replacement of the asphalt surface, along with the replacement of damaged ramps, expansion joints, painting of parapet walls, and other extensive repairs. The contract for this comprehensive rehabilitation, set to last six months, will be divided into two three-month phases. This substantial repair work will breathe new life into the bridge, resulting in a transformed appearance.
She encouraged road users to continue enjoying a smooth ride while adhering to traffic and safety regulations. Some road users praised President Bola Tinubu for initiating the repairs and called for more regular maintenance and increased funding for the bridge and other roads in Lagos. Mr. Henry Felix, a commercial bus driver, appreciated the repairs, suggesting more routine maintenance to keep the bridge in top shape.
Trader Deola Ajayi commended the president for implementing short-term repairs that did not disrupt business activities. She acknowledged Tinubu’s economic acumen and applauded the timely repairs. Other road users also lauded Tinubu and requested enhanced funding for federal road projects in the state.
The Third Mainland Bridge, stretching 11.8 kilometers, is the longest of the three bridges linking Lagos Island to the mainland. It connects Oworonshoki to the Apapa-Oshodi expressway and Lagos-Ibadan expressway, concluding at the Adeniji-Adele interchange on Lagos Island. Constructed in 1990, it held the title of Africa’s longest bridge until 1996 when the Oct. 6 Bridge in Cairo, Egypt, was completed.
