The Federal Government has announced a six-week partial closure of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway to carry out urgent repairs on three bridges along the route.
The Federal Ministry of Works said the closure is necessary to fix deteriorated expansion joints on the Kara Bridge, Magboro Bridge, and Arepo–Punch Bridge, which have become safety hazards.
The Ogun State Federal Controller of Works, Michael Komolafe, addressed journalists at the Kara Bridge site on Thursday. He apologized for the inconvenience to motorists and assured that improved traffic management arrangements would be in place to ensure swift and durable repairs.
Komolafe explained that the Minister of Works, David Umahi, directed the urgent rehabilitation. He noted that work had already been completed on half of the Lagos-bound sections of the Magboro and Arepo–Punch bridges. The remaining sections on the Ibadan-bound side will now be addressed.
The contractor, CBC Construction Company, said mobilisation of equipment will be completed over the weekend, with full construction expected to begin on Monday.
The company’s General Manager, Andy Duan, stated that each bridge would take about a week per phase to repair. He highlighted that the condition of the Kara Bridge expansion joint is particularly poor and has been causing accidents.
Before the diversion begins, barriers, traffic signs, warning lights, and other safety measures will be installed to protect both workers and motorists.
The Lagos State Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps, Kehinde Hamzat, assured that measures have been put in place to ensure smooth traffic flow during the construction period. He warned against driving against traffic and urged motorists to cooperate and exercise patience, describing the closure as a necessary step to improve road safety.
