Lagos State government, yesterday, assured residents and motorists it would commence immediate repair of the damaged bridge at Alapere/Estate Bus Stop on Third Axial Road.

The ever-busy pedestrian bridge was brought down by a truck at the weekend.

The disclosure was made during an inspection of the extent of damage by a team comprising Lagos State government officials from the Ministry of Transportation, Office of Infrastructure, Material Testing Laboratory, and Public Works Corporation.

Commissioner for Transportation, Oluwaseun Osiyemi, said while ascent to the bridge has already been cordoned off, more personnel would be deployed to stop the traffic intermittently and allow pedestrians to pass.

Also, there would be a visual display at night to ensure the safety of pedestrians.

Also speaking, Special Adviser to the Governor on Infrastructure, Olufemi Daramola, said assessment of the bridge would be carried out immediately to enable the conduct of integrity tests on the substructure, determine extent of the damage, and ascertain the level of reconstruction needed to make the bridge usable for the public.

Earlier, Special Adviser to the Governor on Transportation, Sola Giwa, was at the scene to coordinate traffic. He urged commuters to exercise caution, adding that the driver responsible for the damage would be prosecuted under extant laws.

According to eyewitnesses, damage to the bridge, which was constructed 11 years ago, happened when truck tried to manoeuvre underneath, bearing a containerised load that was higher than the provided headroom.