The Federal Government has announced a six-week partial closure of the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway to carry out urgent repair works on three key bridges along the busy highway.
The announcement was made by the Federal Ministry of Works, which explained that the closure is required to fix damaged expansion joints at Kara Bridge, Magboro Bridge, and Arepo–Punch Bridge.
These sections of the road have deteriorated over time, causing heavy traffic congestion and increasing the risk of road accidents.
Speaking to journalists during an inspection visit at Kara Bridge, the Ogun State Federal Controller of Works, Michael Komolafe, apologised to motorists and residents who use the expressway daily.
He acknowledged the inconvenience the repair work would cause but stressed that the intervention was necessary to ensure the safety of road users.
Komolafe explained that previous rehabilitation work on the Lagos-bound section of Kara Bridge had been suspended after complaints from motorists about long traffic delays.
However, further assessments showed that the condition of the expansion joints had worsened and could no longer be ignored.
According to him, the damaged joints posed serious safety threats, as they had created deep gaps on the road surface, leading to vehicle damage and traffic accidents.
He disclosed that the Minister of Works, David Umahi, ordered immediate repairs after receiving reports on the poor condition of the bridges and the rising number of accidents linked to the defects.
The contractor handling the project, Andy Duan, who is the General Manager of CBC Construction Company, gave further details on the scope of work.
He said repairs on the Lagos-bound sections of Magboro Bridge and Arepo–Punch Bridge have already been completed successfully.
Duan added that work will now focus on the Ibadan-bound sections of the two bridges, while construction will also continue on the remaining portion of the Lagos-bound section at Kara Bridge.
He described the expansion joints at Kara Bridge as being in extremely poor condition, noting that they have been a major cause of accidents along the route.
Duan said construction equipment would be mobilised to the site over the weekend, with full repair work expected to commence on Monday. He explained that the repairs would be carried out in phases to allow traffic movement, adding that half of each expansion joint is expected to be completed within one week.
He assured motorists that safety would be given top priority throughout the construction period. According to him, barriers, warning signs, reflective markings, and safety lights will be installed to guide motorists and protect construction workers.
Also speaking, the Lagos State Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Kehinde Hamzat, appealed to road users to remain calm and patient during the repair period.
Hamzat urged motorists to obey traffic rules and cooperate with traffic officials deployed to the area. He warned drivers against driving against traffic flow, stressing that violators would be arrested and sanctioned.
He emphasised that the repair work is critical, explaining that the failing expansion joints have created dangerous road conditions, particularly on Kara Bridge, where several accidents have been recorded.
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