Opebi-Mende-Ojota Link Bridge to be opened before Christmas — Gov Sanwo-Olu
The Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has said the Opebi-Mende Link Bridge is about 80 per cent complete, expressing optimism that it will be opened to the public before Christmas.
Sanwo-Olu gave the assurance during an inspection of the project, acknowledging that construction had surpassed the September completion deadline previously announced.
He said the visit was aimed at identifying the causes of the delay and evaluating progress, while emphasising that the bridge’s unique architectural design and engineering requirements must not be compromised to meet the deadline.
The governor explained that the bridge’s steel structure was designed to reflect the area’s historical association with cane weaving, preserving the community’s cultural identity.
According to him, the project requires the installation of more than 300 tonnes of steel at heights of up to 25 metres, making it a technically demanding construction project.
Sanwo-Olu said three of the four major steel components, designed to resemble interwoven cane, had been completed, with work continuing on the remaining section.
He added that light-emitting diode (LED) installations incorporating the colours of Lagos State would improve the bridge’s appearance and give it an iconic look.
The governor maintained that the state government would not compromise engineering standards or public safety in an attempt to accelerate construction, despite the delay.
He said further work, including site cleaning, kerb repainting, restoration of affected areas and landscaping, would be completed before the bridge opens to the public.
Sanwo-Olu also envisaged the area becoming a destination for recreation, cultural heritage and tourism, noting that its redevelopment would help residents appreciate the community’s history and identity.
He said the bridge would become a notable infrastructure landmark in Lagos, combining engineering innovation with cultural preservation.
The governor commissioned the bridge project in 2022 to ease traffic congestion in Ikeja and surrounding areas.
The Opebi-Mende Link Bridge is part of the state government’s legacy projects and was conceived as a solution to persistent traffic congestion along the Opebi, Mobolaji Bank Anthony Way, Ojota and Mende corridor.