The Federal Government has ordered the temporary closure of the Ijora-Marine Bridge in Lagos State beginning May 18 to carry out necessary repairs that will last 21 days.
In a statement released on Tuesday, Mrs. Olukorede Kesha, the Federal Controller of Works in Lagos, stated that the shutdown would start on Sunday, May 18, at 7:00 a.m.
According to her, the bridge would be partially blocked during that time in some places and fully closed in others.
According to Kesha, the bridge deck would need to be raised in order to replace the worn-out bearings and do other necessary maintenance.
Making the bridge safer and more comfortable for both pedestrians and drivers is the goal, she says.
Kesha said: “We understand the inconvenience this may cause, but this is a necessary step to keep the bridge in good condition and ensure safety of all road users.”
She added that traffic diversion had been carefully arranged and traffic officials would be on ground to guide motorists and ensure smooth flow of traffic.
She also appealed to residents, commuters and business owners in the area to plan their movements ahead and give cooperation during the period.
“Safety signs and traffic management tools will be put in place to minimise disruption.
“We sincerely apologise for the inconvenience and thank members of the public for their patience,” she added.