NSE tasks states on improved infrastructure 

Julius Berger, the contractor responsible for the Opebi-Mende-Ojota link bridges and roads project, has announced that construction is approximately 85 per cent complete.

Despite challenges, the company remains confident that the project will be delivered in line with the planned schedule by December.
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The project, which aims to improve traffic flow and connectivity in the area significantly, encompasses a 590-metre bridge and deck on pile foundation, a 475-metre mechanically stabilised earth embankment, a 125-metre short bridge, and 2,830 metres of roadway, totalling approximately 3.9 kilometres in length.

During a recent site visit by the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), Project Manager Dmytriy Denysenko highlighted the project’s key features.

The design prioritises enhanced service across existing road networks, avoids disrupting the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) corridor, and provides new links between Ojota, Maryland, and Opebi.

To reduce congestion, the project incorporates acceleration and deceleration lanes at junctions to minimise traffic conflicts, and U-turns for Opebi and Ojota commuters will ease congestion further .

Laybys, pedestrian crossings, and dedicated bicycle lanes have been integrated to ensure safe pedestrian and cyclist movement.

The road carriageway will be constructed using rigid concrete pavement for increased durability, while the bicycle lanes will be semi-rigid, using paving blocks.

Denysenko acknowledged that heavy rainfall has posed logistical challenges but emphasised that a skilled engineering team effectively manages these issues.

He reaffirmed the commitment to meeting the December 2024 completion date, highlighting the advanced stage of construction and the focus on quality materials.

NSE President Margaret Oguntala praised the project as a significant engineering feat, commending the design and the ongoing construction work.  She also acknowledged the long-term vision of the Lagos State transportation roadmap, which initiated the project in 2007.

Olatinwo Oluwatomilola, the project consultant representing Advanced Engineering Consultants, explained that the Corridor drainage has been designed to discharge directly into the drainage basins; the System one, without inflicting negative impacts on the adjoining environment within the project area. He reaffirmed that the project will alleviate perennial traffic congestion within Opebi-Mende, Maryland and Ojota areas, Sheraton Road, Mobolaji Bank Anthony Way and Kudirat Abiola Way.

Olatinwo stressed that it was a good development that the government decided to deploy one of the best contractor, who pay detailed attention to quality assurance and control to attain long lasting projects while the team of the ministry comprised experienced professionals.

Some of the senior engineers on the tour including Vice President, Corporate Services, Dr Felicia Agubata, Exco member, Professional Development Board of NSE, Dr Ndifon Agbiji, and Vice President, Asset Management Board, Mr Danladi Adamu, among others lauded the infrastructure strides in Lagos and appealed to other state governments to emulate Lagos towards improving infrastructure provision for the people and enhancing the social, and economic growth in states.