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Gridlock returns over diversion on Lagos-Abeokuta Expressway

By Isaac Taiwo
10 February 2015   |   6:06 pm
IT was a much-awaited relief for motorists when a section of the median on Lagos-Abeokuta Expressway by Adealu bus stop, Alimosho was removed to ease traffic into Alimosho, Egbeda, Iyana Ipaja and neighbouring communities. But since the makeshift access route was blocked, it has been tales of agony for road users on the route.   …

Adealu-5

IT was a much-awaited relief for motorists when a section of the median on Lagos-Abeokuta Expressway by Adealu bus stop, Alimosho was removed to ease traffic into Alimosho, Egbeda, Iyana Ipaja and neighbouring communities. But since the makeshift access route was blocked, it has been tales of agony for road users on the route.

   For the few months the median was opened, it was smooth sailing for motorists, who greeted the idea with ovation. During the intervening period, officials of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) worked assiduously during peak periods to ensure free flow of traffic and also check the notoriety of commercial bus drivers.

   It is now back to the old times when traffic stretches from Iyana Ipaja to Adealu Bus Stop and even beyond, forcing road users going to Alimosho or Egbeda to opt for the road at Iyana Dopemu, while those going to Abule-Egba and Sango that would have easily transited to their destinations on a straight journey, are now forced to take a detour through Abattoir, Agege to link the expressway again at Abule Egba.

   The incessant traffic is usually compounded by the reckless activities of commercial bus drivers who stop arbitrarily stop to pick or drop passengers, brush motorists’ vehicles, and drive against traffic.

   A regular user of the road, Mr. Emeka Nwafor, lamented the closure of the access road and the return of Iyana Ipaja-Dopemu traffic. “We were expecting government to ‘fine-tune’ the situation thereby ensuring that the bad spot was fixed and a traffic light installed in the area to manage traffic when the median opening was blocked.  

   “Whoever initiated that insidious move do not love the throng of vehicle owners accessing Alimosho road and if it is for political reasons as is been adduced in some quarters, then it is too bad. People who do not consider the citizens’ convenience should also be treated with disdain.

   “We were hailing the opening of the route, showering encomiums on the initiator of the idea and expecting some improvement to be made when they dashed our hope and pummeled our expectation. Authorities concerned need to look into the issue again and come out with permanent solution that will put an end to our sufferings,” he said. 

   However, the Federal Controller of Works in Lagos, Mr. Godwin Eke, has given the assurance that the Federal Government would reopen the diversion leading to Alimosho Road from the Lagos/Abeokuta expressway. Eke recently told newsmen that the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA) would redesign a median drain, which prompted the creation of the diversion.

   “The community wrote us and pleaded that we should reopen it. We have done our part, we’ve done some investigations and we think it is feasible. We have now recommended (it) and we asked the Lagos State Government for concurrence so that both the Federal and Lagos governments would agree. 

   “The outstanding issue now is the issue of traffic control there. Once that one is resolved, it would be opened. I spoke with the Commissioner for Transportation, Lagos State and he said that he had made some proposals to the governor.

   “Concurrence means that when you open the u-turn, who would provide traffic wardens there or traffic light because it is not within our purview. The Federal Government does not dabble into that. It is the state that should provide traffic wardens and traffic lights. So that is why we are telling them that we want to open up the u-turn there so that we know what their view is,” he added.

   The diversion was created to ease the rehabilitation work on Iyana Ipaja and Dopemu flyovers. The opening of the diversion is expected to come as a relief to many residents living on the Iyana Ipaja axis.

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