LAGOS — The Federal Government has announced the full closure of the Ijora Bridge in Lagos starting April 27, to enable critical repair works aimed at restoring the structural integrity of the bridge and ensuring the safety of road users.
The announcement was made by the Federal Controller of Works in Lagos, Mrs. Olukorede Kesha, during an inspection of the bridge on Monday.
She explained that the closure is necessary to allow for the replacement of approximately 50 defective bearings beneath the bridge deck, which are vital components that help absorb vibrations and support the bridge’s weight.
According to her, the repair work marks the final phase of a series of interventions that have been carried out on the bridge over time.
“This bridge has been awarded for some time now in different phases. We are now at the final phase, which involves lifting the entire bridge deck to change the faulty bearings beneath,” Kesha stated.
She added that many of the bearings have deteriorated, creating a risk of further damage if not urgently addressed.
Kesha highlighted the importance of the Ijora Bridge as a key route that links the Ijora Causeway to Apapa, where two of Nigeria’s busiest seaports — Tincan Island and Apapa ports — are located. She acknowledged that the closure would disrupt traffic but emphasized that the safety of commuters is paramount.
To manage the expected traffic congestion, Kesha said motorists approaching from Ijora will be redirected through the Seven Up Roundabout to reconnect to Apapa.
Heavy-duty vehicles, she noted, will be diverted via Costain through Iganmu to access the port area. She reassured the public that the Federal Ministry of Works had carefully mapped out alternative routes and expressed optimism that there would be no major issues if road users cooperate.
She also addressed public concerns about the safety of the bridge, revealing that the ministry had received complaints from citizens who noticed unusual vibrations while driving on it.
While she assured that the bridge is not on the verge of collapse, she admitted that it is in urgent need of rehabilitation.
“It won’t collapse, but it definitely needs help. If you drive on the bridge now, you will feel vibrations. That is because the bearings, the spring-like supports under the deck, have weakened significantly,” she said.
Kesha noted that this repair would be the first major maintenance work on the Ijora Bridge since it was constructed several decades ago.
The first phase of the repair, which involves lifting the deck and replacing the bearings, requires a full closure of the bridge.
However, subsequent stages such as the removal and replacement of asphalt may be done in segments and possibly scheduled for Sundays to reduce the impact on traffic.
She stressed the importance of public awareness and cooperation throughout the repair period, noting that the Minister of Works, Senator Dave Umahi, had directed that any bridge closures must be well-publicized to inform the public in advance.
“We want members of the public to know that this is for their safety. With their cooperation, we can finish this work in time and restore the bridge to a much safer condition,” Kesha concluded.