Iddo bridge repairs: FG sensitises motorists on traffic restrictions, height barriers

The Federal Government, through the Ministry of Works, yesterday sensitised motorists and Lagos residents on its plan to install height barriers on the 52-year-old Iddo Bridge to restrict heavy vehicular movement.

The bridge, a key link between the ports and both the Island and the Mainland, was constructed in 1973. The Federal Controller of Works in Lagos, Mrs Olukorede Kesha, representing the Minister, said the restriction, which will last for six months, will facilitate the repair of defective spans on the bridge.
Addressing newsmen in Iddo, Kesha said that with the installation of the barriers on Sunday, the capacity of the bridge would be limited to about 60 per cent. She noted that the bridge has not undergone any major repairs since its construction in 1973.

According to her, more often than not, Nigerians tend to be reactive, but this time, they want to be proactive to avoid issues arising before seeking solutions.She said: “We’re here to sensitise Lagosians and the general public, particularly motorists, that the capacity of the Iddo Bridge will be reduced by about 60 per cent going forward from Sunday.

“Height barriers will be installed on this old bridge constructed in 1973, which has not undergone any major repairs. We’ll be installing barriers to restrict heavy vehicular movement on the bridge. It will be limited to light traffic going forward from Sunday.

“This is because when this administration came into power, we decided to take a cursory look at all the bridges in Lagos. We carried out a structural evaluation and integrity tests on all the bridges. The bridge is about 550 metres long. It’s a very short bridge. We discovered that some of the spans there are defective. So, we’re planning to repair them.

“And before we can do that, we need to block heavy traffic to allow only light traffic, ensuring the bridge remains safe for use.” Kesha stressed that the restriction will persist for six months as three main defective spans out of 25 will be broken down and recast.

“So, once that is done, the contractor will move to the site. But we do not want to have an unfortunate incident. That’s why the Minister, in his wisdom, has directed that we limit the capacity of the bridge for now. The barriers will limit heavy vehicular movement. Articulated trucks will no longer be able to use the bridge,” she added.

On the poor state of adjoining roads, the Federal Controller also said the contractor does not want to do palliative work while the main bridge suffers.

“So, we want to address that. We even intend to increase the headroom of the bridge. This means we will dig lower so articulated trucks can pass freely without damaging the slab.”

“They are the main reason the slab was damaged in the first place. Because the headroom is low, they try to force their way through, exposing the reinforcement, which moisture attacks, causing it to fall off.

“So, the concrete is bare without reinforcement in most instances on the bridge. That’s why we’re limiting it now to light vehicles. Light vehicles will still be able to pass, but for heavy vehicles, the Ijora Bridge is an alternative.

“The contractor is here, and we’re providing an enabling environment. But there are certain steps we need to take before starting work, which is why we are here.

“The first step is this height limit. Once we do that, when we want to start properly, we’ll divert to one side while we work on the other. Once we’re done with one side, we’ll re-divert again, and when we’re finished, we’ll reopen the bridge.”

Kesha sought the cooperation of motorists during this period. The ministry will also work with the Lagos State government, as custodians of the people and the law, to ensure the smooth repair of the bridge.