The Federal Government, through the Federal Ministry of Works, on Wednesday said it had awarded over N21billion to new contractor, Messrs CCECC Nig Ltd for the rehabilitation of third mainland bridge.

The Minister of works, David Umahi disclosed this during the flag off ceremony for the emergency repairs of the damaged element of the third mainland bridge superstructure including the loops and ramps connecting the bridge.

The minister said the scope of works to be covered by this contract includes: Milling of the existing asphaltic surface; Provision of asphaltic concrete wearing course on the carriageway across the entire bridge length and ramps to a compacted thickness of 50mm; Removal and replacement of worn-out expansion joints on the carriageway; Removal of all existing guard rails and installation of new ones; Painting of guardrails, kerb surface and concrete barriers; Lane marking using thermoplastic material; and Installation of solar powered street lights for proper illumination.

He explained that it is imperative to expand the scope of works beyond the subsisting scope of works as awarded, to accommodate the additional works and quantities of work items needed to restore the integrity and serviceability of this very important bridge. This he said led to the expansion of the scope of the contract to allow for necessary remedial structural work beyond the the initial limited scope.

Umahi recalled that when the new administration came on board, they observed that the project as awarded was for a limited scope and would not address all the concerns they had as regards the total restoration of the integrity of the bridge.

“We had observed that there were extra layers of asphalt on the bridge deck of about 150mm thickness as a result of previous overlays done over time which constitutes extra dead load on the bridge and must be removed before a new layer of asphalt is laid in order not to compromise the integrity of the bridge,” he said.

Umahi noted that President Bola Tinubu, in keeping with his promise of a renewed hope for all Nigerians, has approved and provided the funds needed for the completion of the project.

The minister noted the project when completed, will ameliorate the sufferings of commuters and all road users who ply the bridge with a lot of discomfort.

“The resurfaced deck will ensure a smooth riding surface that will reduce the spate of accidents and reduce wear and tear of vehicles; Solar powered street lights will ensure proper illumination of the entire stretch of the bridge for safety, security and aesthetics; Painting of the kerbs and concrete barriers will give the bridge a new aesthetic look.

“Our intention is to deliver this project in a systematic manner that willccause only minimal discomfort to road users. In this regard, the Contractor has been directed to also work at night to ensure that the project is delivered within the shortest possible time. Also, a comprehensive traffic management plan has been put in place by the Federal Ministry of Works working jointly with Lagos State Officials,” Umahi said.

He further disclosed that the four ramps to the bridge where works have already commenced on November 6, 2023 will be completed on December 13, 2023. He also added that works on the major carriageway of the bridge will commence January 15, 2023.

“The Ministry is currently carrying out investigations as well as the design of the piles, pile caps, piers as well as the deflected deck slab, which will lead to the award of a contract for the restoration of the substructure elements of the bridge at a later time,” the minister said.

He assured Nigerians of Tinubu’s eagerness and commitment to deliver quality infrastructure that will stand the test of time and open the economy through the safe conveyance of goods and service across the length and breadth of the Country.The Minister further enjoin road users to stick to this traffic plan to allow for smooth movement during the period of repairs.