Motorists and commuters have commended the Ogun State Government for the ongoing reconstruction of the failed portions of the Abeokuta–Ifo–Sango-Ota–Lagos Expressway.
Governor Dapo Abiodun had flagged off the reconstruction of the expressway on August 23, 2024, with an 18-month completion timeline.
Sections already repaired and reopened to traffic include Brewery, Obada, Itori Junction, and Lafarge Cement Factory in Ewekoro, providing significant relief for road users.
Five construction gangs are simultaneously working at Olomore, Midgad/Metroxide, Papalanto Junction, Owode, and the Toll Gate axis. Earthworks, stone base, and drainage have been completed in several locations, while asphalt laying is ongoing.
The Olu of Itori, Oba Abdul Fatai Akorede Akamo, praised the state government’s intervention, describing the road’s previous state as deplorable due to years of neglect.
“This road was abandoned for so many years. I thank God that Governor Dapo Abiodun took the bull by the horns and committed to completing it. Though it is a federal road, the governor has shown that his word is his bond,” he said.
Transporters and residents also applauded the quality and pace of work. Opeyemi Akindele, a transporter on the Abeokuta–Papalanto route, said the project has drastically reduced accidents and eliminated frequent traffic gridlocks.
“Before now, some sections of this road were like swimming pools, and we had to drive one-way. The current government has done very well, and movement along this axis is now much smoother,” he said, while calling for a trailer park between Papalanto Junction and the Lafarge Cement Plant to prevent road obstruction by heavy-duty vehicles.
Residents of Papalanto, including Ololade Anjolaoluwa and Akande Michael, also expressed satisfaction, urging the contractors to sustain the momentum and complete the project on schedule.
“There are a lot of changes on this road already. Accidents have drastically reduced, and we are grateful to Governor Abiodun for coming to our aid,” Michael said.
