By Ayo Kehinde
The Federal Government would on Sunday, April 27, close Ijora Bridge in Lagos, for essential repair works.
Federal Controller of Works in Lagos, Mrs Olukorede Kesha, disclosed this on Monday during an inspection of the bridge.
She explained that the structure, which links Ijora Causeway to Apapa, requires comprehensive maintenance, particularly the replacement of worn-out bearings beneath the bridge deck.
“This bridge has been under phased repairs for some time. We are now at the final stage, which involves lifting the entire deck to replace approximately 50 faulty bearings spread across three sections”, she said.
Noting that the closure would cause temporary disruption, Kesha stressed that the intervention was crucial to ensure commuter safety and prevent further structural damage.
To mitigate traffic congestion, she said motorists approaching from Ijora would be diverted through the Seven Up Roundabout to reconnect to Apapa. Heavy goods vehicles would be rerouted via Costain and Iganmu.
She assured the public that the Federal Ministry of Works had carefully designed the diversion routes and did not expect major difficulties.
Kesha appealed for patience and cooperation from road users, noting that the repairs were time-sensitive.
She also revealed that the Ministry had received complaints from members of the public about noticeable vibrations on the bridge.
“The bridge is not at risk of collapse, but it definitely requires urgent attention. Drivers can feel vibrations due to the significantly weakened spring-like bearings beneath the deck”, she said.
According to her, this will be the first major repair on the Ijora Bridge since its construction several decades ago.
The initial stage, involving the lifting of the deck and replacement of bearings, will require a total closure. However, later stages such as resurfacing might be carried out on Sundays to minimise traffic impact.
Kesha emphasised the importance of public awareness and said that the Minister of Works, Senator Dave Umahi, had directed that any planned bridge closures must be widely communicated.
“We want the public to understand that this work is for their own safety. With their support, we can complete it promptly and restore the bridge to a much safer condition”, she said.
Kesha emphasised the importance of the Ijora Bridge as a major route leading to Apapa, home to two of Nigeria’s busiest ports, Tincan and Apapa ports.
She highlighted the strategic significance of the Ijora Bridge as a key access route to Apapa, which houses two of Nigeria’s busiest ports — Tincan Island and Apapa Port.
