The Lagos State government has announced the diversion of traffic on Marine Bridge for repair works, which will run from Wednesday, December 4, 2024, to Tuesday, February 25, 2025.

Commissioner for Transportation, Oluwaseun Osiyemi, in a statement yesterday, advised motorists to use alternative routes during the repairs.

Those travelling from Apapa to Lagos Island are encouraged to link Eko Bridge via Costain Roundabout. Similarly, motorists from Apapa can connect Ijora 7up through Marine Bridge to access Ijora Causeway or link Iddo through the ramp and U-turn.

Osiyemi urged motorists to remain patient, stating that the diversion is necessary to facilitate the rehabilitation of the bridge’s asphalt pavement by the Federal Ministry of Works.

Meanwhile, the Federal Controller of Works in Lagos State, Mrs Olukorede Kesha, raised concerns about the increasing number of accidents on the recently rehabilitated Third Mainland Bridge.

Speaking to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Kesha attributed the accidents to reckless driving, impatience, and indiscipline among motorists.
“The number of accidents recorded since the repairs is unprecedented,” Kesha said. “Impatience and speeding beyond limits are the primary causes.”

She highlighted that some portions of the newly-asphalted bridge have already been damaged due to accidents, including instances where vehicles caught fire.

Kesha advised motorists to prioritise discipline, especially during the festive season, to prevent further damage and loss of lives.

She also cautioned drivers against using worn-out tyres and emphasised the importance of ensuring vehicles are roadworthy. Increased surveillance has been introduced on the bridge to enforce compliance.

The Third Mainland Bridge repair project, now 90 per cent complete, has one significant task remaining: the installation of control room cameras, Kesha added.