Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has appealed to Lagosians to bear with the government on the closure of the Third Mainland Bridge. This is in view of the 6-month repairs to be carried out on the damaged parts.
According to the governor, the closure and repairs are aimed averting any disaster. Sanwo-Olu however, advised that only 25% of traffic disruption will be experienced while alternative routes have been mapped out to reduce any major traffic gridlock.
The governor’s address:
Dear Lagosians,
I want to allay the concerns we may have regarding the partial closure of the Third Mainland Bridge which will begin tomorrow evening.
The closure is necessary to prevent any disaster that may result from th total collapse of the infrastructure.
I want to appeal to residents to exercise patience during this period as LASTMA officers will constantly be on the road to ensure easy vehicular movement.
The traffic disruption is about 25% of the regular traffic on the bridge so there should be no undue worries.
We have provided the details of alternative routes so that residents can move to and from their place of work easily.
During the closure, a lane of the bridge will be open for vehicles driving inward Lagos Island in the morning and the reverse will be done in the evening.
We are deploying over 650 LASTMA officers on the roads to control traffic.
We also urge commuters to explore the option of the waterways. The jetty built in Ilaje area of Bariga has been activated and we are increasing the capacity of our ferry services.
We remain committed to improving transportation in Lagos State. Ensuring that Lagos has an efficiently run intermodal transportation system is an important component of our deliverables.
Please do work with us as we work to achieve this.
Sanwo-Olu’s appeal to Lagosians came before the bridge closed at 12 midnight, 24th of July.
Incidentally, the new Sector Commander of the FRSC in Lagos, Commodore Olusegun Ogunbgemide accompanied by the Lagos Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Adeyinka Ayinla visited the governor at the state house yesterday as well.
Speaking about their their visit, Governor Sanwo-Olu said,:
“our administration believes in synergy with Federal agencies, therefore we will continue to provide all the necessary support that will enhance the effectiveness of these agencies to eep our roads and communities safer.”