The Federal Government has fixed September 8 for the commencement of repairs on the damaged expansion joints of the Kara Bridge along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.
The refurbishment exercise which would cover about 100 metres and last for two-weeks was announced by the Federal Ministry of Works, the body stating that the repair is necessary due to the expansion joints outliving their lifespan, and now a danger to motorists using the busy highway.
The ministry held that the rehabilitation would be carried out in different phases, one lane of the affected area to be closed leaving motorists to using other lane under the traffic management.
This was revealed by the Acting Controller of the ministry in Ogun State, Richard Adeleye, on Saturday, while making an oversight visit at the scene, explaining that the expansion joints were designed to accommodate the natural movement of bridge structures due to temperature variations.
Adeleye cautioned that leaving the infrastructure unattended to could can cause buckling and cracking of the bridge, and made an assurance that the rehabilitation would be completed within the time frame.
“It is better done now because it has been causing a lot of accidents. We have witnessed it, even the last time we came here. It happened right here in our presence,” he said while urging motorists to be patient during the repair time.
“Ibadan-bound motorists can use Ogijo-Ikorodu alternative routes Ogijo-Ikorodu Road, as well as Sango and Abeokuta routes.
“Those who choose to use the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway would be allowed through the construction area under traffic control.
“The rehabilitation is critical to the bridge’s structural integrity. The new joints are designed to last 10 to 20 years,” he stayed.
The Lagos State Sector Commander of the Federal Road Service Corps, FRSC, Kehinde Hamzat, said traffic control would be enforced throughout the rehabilitation to safeguard motorists and workers.
Hamzat mentioned that the FRSC would step up traffic management around the construction site and divert traffic where necessary to reduce congestion and prevent accidents.
The FRSC commander described the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway as a very critical part of the nation’s economy, adding that personnel had been deployed to ensure the safety of road users and construction workers.
He urged motorists to be cautious, obey traffic rules, and avoid the corridor if their trips were not necessary during the rehabilitation.
Hamzat noted that the project had been delayed severally due to traffic concerns and public appeals, but expressed hope that it would proceed without further postpone.
Ogun State Commissioner for Transportation, Gbenga Dairo, urged motorists to plan ahead of the modification start date.
Dairo advised Lagos-bound motorists to use alternatives such as Ikorodu-Ogijo Road, Shimawa Bridge, and the old Abeokuta road, and urged caution and compliance with signs around the work area.