The Federal Government has announced a six-week partial closure of sections of the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway to allow for urgent repair works on key bridges along the corridor.
The Federal Ministry of Works said the closure would affect expansion joints at Kara Bridge, Magboro Bridge, and Arepo–Punch Bridge, citing safety concerns and the need to complete rehabilitation works earlier suspended due to severe traffic congestion.
Speaking to journalists at Kara Bridge, the Ogun State Federal Controller of Works, Michael Komolafe, apologised to motorists for the disruption and assured the public that improved traffic management strategies would be deployed throughout the construction period.
Komolafe explained that the expansion joints on the affected bridges had deteriorated significantly, posing serious risks to road users and contributing to traffic accidents. He added that the Minister of Works, David Umahi, had ordered the immediate resumption of repair works to prevent further incidents.
Providing updates on the project, the General Manager of CBC Construction Company, Andy Duan, said repairs on the Lagos-bound sections of Magboro and Arepo–Punch bridges had been completed, with work now shifting to the Ibadan-bound carriageways.
“At Kara Bridge, about half of the Lagos-bound section has been fixed, and we will now complete the remaining part,” Duan said, noting that the bridge’s expansion joints were in critical condition.
He disclosed that full construction activities would commence on Monday after equipment mobilisation over the weekend, adding that the work would be executed in phases, with half of each expansion joint expected to be completed within one week.
Duan assured motorists that safety measures, including barriers, warning signs, and lighting, would be installed to protect both road users and construction workers during the repairs.
Meanwhile, the Lagos State Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Kehinde Hamzat, called on motorists to be patient and comply with traffic rules while the works are ongoing. He warned that driving against traffic would not be tolerated and that offenders would be sanctioned.
Hamzat stressed that the repairs were necessary to address failing expansion joints, which had created dangerous conditions and contributed to accidents, particularly around Kara Bridge.