By Latiifah Amusan
The Federal Government swiftly reopened the iconic Third Mainland Bridge late Sunday evening, just 24 hours after a scheduled closure for much-needed palliative work.
Mrs. Olukorede Kesha, the Federal Controller of Works in Lagos, expressed her satisfaction with the repairs conducted on the bridge and assured motorists of a smooth journey until the start of comprehensive rehabilitation in January 2024.
Kesha made this announcement during an on-the-spot inspection of the repair work.
The closure of the bridge, which began at midnight on Saturday, aimed to facilitate the repair of critical portions and alleviate the difficulties faced by commuters.
Notably, the bridge was reopened to traffic around 7 p.m. on Sunday following the successful completion of the repair work.
During her inspection, Mrs. Kesha stopped at various points between Iyana-Oworo and Adeniji-Adele, where remedial repairs covered a 9.7-kilometer stretch of the Lagos Island inbound lane.
She emphasized that the work conducted was considered palliative, and intended to maintain the road in good condition until the comprehensive rehabilitation scheduled for January 2024.
The Federal Controller of Works revealed that certain components required for the comprehensive rehabilitation were being imported for emergency repairs to commence.
She outlined that the forthcoming comprehensive rehabilitation would involve the complete removal and replacement of the asphalt surface, replacement of damaged ramps and expansion joints, and extensive parapet wall painting.
This comprehensive rehabilitation project, set to begin in January, is expected to last six months but will be divided into two phases, each lasting three months.
Mrs. Kesha assured that this effort would rejuvenate the Third Mainland Bridge, transforming its appearance and ensuring its longevity.
Road users were commended for their cooperation during the brief closure.
President Bola Tinubu’s proactive approach to repairs during off-peak periods received praise from the public.
Some road users expressed their gratitude for short-term repairs that do not disrupt activities and businesses negatively, highlighting the need for routine maintenance and increased funding for bridge and road projects in Lagos.
The Third Mainland Bridge, stretching over 11.8 kilometers, is the longest of the three bridges connecting Lagos Island to the mainland.
Its closure and subsequent repairs have been of paramount importance to ensure the safety and convenience of thousands of daily commuters.
