The House of Representatives has urged the Federal Government to build 23 pedestrian bridges along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.
This action resulted from a motion presented on Wednesday by Tolulope Akande-Sadipe, the representative of Oluyole Federal Constituency in Oyo State.
The House of Representatives consequently called on the Federal Government to include allocations for these bridges in the 2024 budget.
During the motion, she emphasized the imperative of crossing the highway to reach schools, residences, workplaces, and markets due to the escalating urbanization along the route.
“This undervalues the safety of pedestrians and drivers as there is a daily high rate of fatal accidents recorded, hence there is an urgent need for the construction of pedestrian bridges, which is
currently non-existent.”
But she lamented that “despite safety implications and ongoing advocacy, pedestrian bridges have been neglected by stakeholders and the Lagos/Ibadan Expressway has become a death trap.”
“Cognizant that the Lagos/Ibadan Expressway is a Trunk ‘A’, and requires pedestrian bridges at the following locations: (i) Technical University; (ii) Toll Gate, Ibadan; (iii) Félele, Ibadan; (iv) Sóka, Ibadan; (v) Sanyo, İbadan; (vi) Bólúwaji, Ibadan; (vii) Academy; (viii) Eléruku, Ibadan; (ix) Two bridges between Muslim and Olohun-Sògo, Ibadan; (x) Two bridges between Olohun-Sogo and Oré-Méji Bridges; (x) Three bridges between Oré-Méji and Iwo Road; (xii) Three Bridges between Iwo Road and General Gas’ bridge; and (xiii) Five Bridges between General Gas and Ojóo.”
According to her, the construction of the pedestrian bridges will “save lives, reduce the sufferings of commuters, particularly school children, and maintain the economic viability of these highly populated areas.
“So, I urge the House to resolve to: urge the Federal Ministry of Works to make provision for the construction of pedestrian bridges in the locations mentioned above in the 2024 budget estimates and mandate the Committee on Works and Appropriations to ensure compliance.”