Expect Traffic Delays as Repairs Start on Lagos-Ibadan Expressway

A photo showing heavy traffic on Lagos-Ibadan Expressway. Credit: Daniel Ayantoye.

The Ogun State Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Agency has warned drivers to prepare for traffic delays on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway. The Federal Ministry of Works is starting a new phase of expansion joint replacement on the Kara Bridge.

The agency shared this information in a statement from its Public Relations Officer, Babatunde Akinbiyi, on Sunday. The repair work on the outbound Lagos side of the bridge will kick off on Tuesday and will be supervised by the Federal Ministry of Works.

Akinbiyi said CBC Global Civil & Construction Company will handle the project. He mentioned that temporary traffic management measures will be put in place, including lane restrictions and controlled diversions as needed during the repairs.

"During the construction period, temporary traffic management measures, including lane restrictions and controlled diversions where necessary, will be implemented to ensure the safety of both motorists and construction personnel," the statement said.

Akinbiyi asked drivers to plan their trips ahead of time. He warned that delays are likely, especially during busy traffic hours. "Motorists are advised to expect delays, particularly during peak traffic periods, and are encouraged to plan their journeys accordingly," the agency noted.

He also urged road users to follow traffic signs, listen to instructions from traffic management and law enforcement officers, keep safe distances, and avoid driving against traffic. TRACE said it will collaborate with the FMW, Federal Road Safety Corps, Nigeria Police Force, Lagos State Traffic Management Authority, and others to ensure enough personnel are available to manage traffic and reduce inconvenience during the repairs.

The agency also asked drivers for patience and cooperation. They pointed out that the repair work is important to make the bridge safer and more durable. The repairs are coming at a time when there have been many road accidents that caused deaths and long traffic jams at the Kara Bridge part of the expressway.

In March, the FMW had resumed replacing the expansion joints of Kara Bridge, outbound Lagos. The Federal Controller of Works, Olayiwola Komolafe, mentioned that the maintenance work would take two weeks.

However, after days of heavy traffic, the repair work was put on hold. On Friday, several accidents on the Kara Bridge section caused gridlock, leaving many drivers stuck. One person died, and two others were injured in those accidents.