The Lagos State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring uninterrupted traffic flow and public safety as rehabilitation work begins on the 20-kilometre Lekki–Epe Expressway, a project scheduled to last 64 days.

The Special Adviser to the Governor on Transportation, Sola Giwa, gave the assurance on Tuesday, stating that comprehensive and well-coordinated traffic management plans have been put in place to minimise inconvenience to motorists and other road users during the construction period.

Addressing officers of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), Giwa clarified that the rehabilitation will not involve a full closure of the expressway. Instead, traffic control measures will be strategically implemented at critical intersections to reduce disruptions and maintain steady vehicular movement along the corridor.

He disclosed that traffic management arrangements have been carefully designed and rolled out in phases, with the deployment of over 305 LASTMA operatives to strengthen the three existing traffic management zones along the axis.

According to him, the expanded deployment is aimed at ensuring free traffic flow, prompt response to incidents and strict enforcement of traffic regulations, all in a bid to maintain orderliness and road safety throughout the rehabilitation period.

Giwa noted the sharp increase in vehicular traffic and haulage activities along the Lekki–Epe corridor, attributing this to the presence of key economic and infrastructure assets, such as the Lekki Deep Sea Port, Lekki Free Trade Zone, Dangote Refinery, and other rapidly expanding commercial and industrial hubs.

To address potential traffic emergencies, he said LASTMA has positioned a fleet of high-, medium- and low-capacity recovery vehicles, including tow trucks, to promptly clear broken-down vehicles and prevent secondary congestion.

He added that the agency will also deploy drone technology for real-time aerial surveillance to quickly detect, assess and resolve traffic incidents on the Lekki–Epe Expressway and other strategic locations across the state.

Giwa further revealed that the traffic management framework for the rehabilitation includes the installation of clear directional signage, adequate lighting and other essential safety features.

In addition, operatives of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) and the Kick Against Indiscipline (KAI) brigade have been deployed to support LASTMA, enhance security and safeguard lives and property during the project.

Motorists were advised to make use of alternative routes to ease pressure on the construction corridor. Giwa specifically recommended the Coaster Road from Ogombo through Abraham Adesanya as a viable option during the rehabilitation period.

He appealed to road users to remain patient, act responsibly, obey traffic rules and cooperate with traffic officers, stressing that discipline and collective cooperation are crucial to the success of the project.

Members of the public were also encouraged to report traffic-related incidents through the LASTMA toll-free hotline, 080000527862, with assurances of prompt and professional response.

The state government appealed for residents’ understanding and cooperation as it carries out the rehabilitation, describing the project as critical to improving mobility, enhancing safety, and supporting sustainable economic growth.