The Federal Ministry of Works has announced a 60-day closure of the Marine Bridge in Lagos from Sunday, April 27, as part of ongoing structural repairs.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily on Tuesday, the Federal Controller of Works for Lagos State, Olukorede Kesha, said the first section at the beginning of the bridge will completely close for 20 days.
This initial closure will likely cause major traffic problems around Apapa, Ijora, and Iganmu.
Kesha explained that the Marine Bridge, which people often mistake for the Ijora Bridge, will undergo repairs in phases. Workers will lift the bridge at three important sections to replace old bearings.
“This phase of the repair involves replacing about 50 bearings. To do that, we need to lift the bridge at specific points. The first section at the beginning of the bridge will require a full closure for 20 days,” she added.
After the first phase, the repairs won’t require total closures.
“The second section is around the middle of the bridge, and we plan to divert traffic there. The two lanes from Iganmu will be merged, so we can shift traffic to one side for another 20 days,” she explained.
Kesha said the final repair section will be at the bridge’s descent into Apapa, near Area B Police Command. Traffic will be diverted there for another 20 days, making the entire project last about 60 days. However, the worst traffic problems will happen during the first 20 days when the bridge is completely closed.
For drivers of large trucks, Kesha recommended different routes to avoid traffic jams. “If you’re an articulated truck (driver), don’t come through Ijora. From Costain, link Iganmu and head straight to Apapa,” she advised. “Smaller vehicles or trucks with business around Ijora 7up can turn left at the roundabout and use the access route up to the bridge,” she added.
Kesha mentioned that an earlier unplanned closure in April had caused severe traffic in parts of Lagos. She assured that the public had been notified early about the closure and traffic plans to minimise problems.
Kesha also encouraged drivers to follow road signs, pay attention to diversion markings, and check traffic updates throughout the repair period.
