The Minister of Works, Eng. David Umahi has directed that the Independence/Mekwen Bridge earlier closed for repairs be reopened immediately as motorists in Lagos Island faced severe traffic congestion.
Credible News reports that hundreds of commuters were trapped in gridlock for hours as alternative routes struggled to accommodate the displaced traffic. Workers trekked several kilometres after closing from work Wednesday evening.
The Federal Government had earlier announced that the bridge, which serves as a crucial link to the Lagos Mainland, would be closed for essential maintenance starting April 1, with completion expected by the end of May 2025.
Confirming the development, the Federal Controller of Works, Lagos, Mrs. Olukorede Kesha, stated that the closure would affect traffic from Ahmadu Bello Way and Adeola Odeku towards Marina, Eko Bridge, and Onikan by Zone 2. She urged motorists to plan their journeys accordingly and use alternative routes to minimize congestion. Apologizing for the inconvenience, she thanked the public for their cooperation in ensuring road safety and stability.
The Lagos State Government had previously issued a travel advisory on March 15, warning residents of the expected impact. Commissioner for Transportation, Oluwaseun Osiyemi, advised motorists traveling outward from Lagos Island to follow designated alternative routes to ease congestion.
While the initial closure on April 1 coincided with the Ed-el-Fitr public holiday and had minimal traffic impact, Wednesday’s workday commute brought severe disruptions. Heavy congestion was reported on alternative routes, with bottlenecks stretching from Lekki through Victoria Island to Falomo Bridge. Key areas such as Falomo, Law School, Ahmadu Bello Way, and the former Old Bar Beach saw prolonged delays as commuters struggled to exit the Island.
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Many motorists expressed frustration over the situation. Gbenga Aduloju, a commuter, shared his ordeal: “I left the Island at 2:00 PM, trying to exit through Victoria Island. As of 4:00 PM, I was still stuck in traffic. Is this how we will suffer for two months? The government needs to act fast to ease this situation before it escalates.”
Similarly, Mrs. Esther Alfonso lamented, “A journey that usually takes 15 minutes has taken me almost two hours due to this gridlock.”
Commissioner Osiyemi outlined the affected routes, noting that the section from the National Open University of Nigeria through Bonny Camp Bridge to Independence Bridge would be closed to vehicular movement. Additionally, the service lane at Bonny Camp Underpass Bridge (inbound Independence Bridge) will not be accessible, although the service lane from Ahmadu Bello Way to Ozumba Mbadiwe remains open.
Alternative routes have been mapped out to mitigate the impact:
- From Ahmadu Bello Way to Victoria Island: Use Ozumba Mbadiwe Avenue to Akin Adesola Street, then proceed to Falomo Roundabout and connect to Obafemi Awolowo Road for access to Ring Road.
- From Ahmadu Bello Way to 3rd Mainland Bridge: Follow Ozumba Mbadiwe Avenue to Akin Adesola Street, link Alfred Rewane Road to Osborne Road, and connect to Ring Road.
- From Ahmadu Bello Way to Inner Marina/CMS: Divert through Ozumba Mbadiwe Avenue, Akin Adesola Street, Falomo Roundabout, and Obafemi Awolowo Road to access J.K. Randle Road/King George V Road.
- From Inner Marina/CMS to Ahmadu Bello Way: Motorists will have through traffic access.
The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority has been deployed to manage traffic along these routes throughout the project duration of the bridge repair.
Osiyemi urged motorists to be patient, emphasizing that the closure is part of the Federal Ministry of Works’ plan to rehabilitate the road’s asphalt pavement. Authorities are expected to monitor the situation closely and make necessary adjustments to traffic management strategies as needed.
Crediblenewsng.com
