The Lagos and Ogun State governments have deployed additional traffic personnel to the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway. Authorities are intensifying efforts to ease severe congestion around the Kara Bridge corridor, especially as the Lagos-Ibadan gridlock continues to affect many motorists in the area.
According to The PUNCH, the intervention followed prolonged gridlock on Tuesday and Wednesday. This happened after a multiple-vehicle crash compounded ongoing rehabilitation work on Kara Bridge and escalated the Lagos-Ibadan gridlock issue for commuters.
The Lagos State Ministry of Transportation said a fallen tanker contributing to the obstruction had been evacuated by the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority.
Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Olawale Musa, said the congestion was worsened by motorists driving against traffic.
He added that more traffic officers had been deployed to the affected corridor to improve movement and prevent further disruption.
Lagos, Ogun agencies join traffic operation
Musa said the state would continue working with the Lagos and Ogun police commands. He added they would also work with the Ogun State Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Corps and LASTMA to manage the situation and reduce the impact of the Lagos-Ibadan gridlock.
He said the Kara Bridge rehabilitation could temporarily inconvenience motorists. However, it remained necessary to protect the long-term safety and functionality of the corridor.
The ministry said the work was expected to be completed soon.
LASTMA General Manager Olalekan Bakare-Oki also said officers had continued working round the clock to improve traffic flow.
He urged motorists to remain patient and avoid driving against traffic whenever there was an obstruction.
Motorists advised to use alternative routes
Bakare-Oki advised road users to consider alternative routes while congestion persists. For now, the Lagos-Ibadan gridlock remains severe during peak periods.
“Motorists can access the Ikorodu Garage–Ogijo–Sagamu route, connecting through Lotto to the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway,” he said.
He added that motorists heading towards Lagos and nearby destinations could also use the Lagos–Abeokuta Expressway.
“Motorists heading towards Ijebu-Ode may use the Ikorodu–Ijebu-Ode route to reduce pressure on the Kara Bridge corridor and improve traffic distribution,” he said.
Ogun strengthens traffic response
Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun said the state had also deployed TRACE personnel. This action aims to strengthen traffic coordination around Kara Bridge and adjoining sections of the expressway.
He said the officers were working with security, emergency and traffic agencies to clear obstructions and improve movement.
Abiodun warned motorists against driving against traffic or creating additional lanes. He said such actions often worsen congestion and delay emergency operations.
“Commercial drivers and articulated vehicle operators are particularly advised to exercise restraint and comply with all traffic directions,” he said.
The governor said the immediate priority was to protect lives, restore order and reduce the inconvenience facing commuters.
“We will continue to monitor the situation and deploy the necessary personnel and resources until normal traffic flow is restored,” Abiodun said.
“We appreciate the patience and cooperation of all road users.”
Crashes, repairs trigger severe delays
The deployment followed Tuesday’s heavy gridlock after a seven-vehicle crash at Kara Bridge. This incident compounded ongoing repairs to the bridge’s expansion joints and exacerbated the Lagos-Ibadan gridlock extensive delays.
The congestion later stretched beyond the Long Bridge towards Magboro and back into Lagos.
Although the crashed vehicles were removed, some motorists who had driven against traffic created another bottleneck around the OPIC axis. This occurred while they were attempting to return to the proper lane.
Authorities have continued to urge motorists to obey traffic officials. In addition, they ask drivers to avoid actions that could further worsen movement along the corridor.
