During an inspection of the bridge on Monday, Federal Controller of Works, Lagos, Mrs. Olukorede Kesha, announced that the Federal Government had announced the complete closure of the Ijora Bridge in Lagos, beginning on April 27, for critical repair work. Mrs. Kesha stated: “This bridge has been awarded for some time now in different phases, and we are now at the final phase, which involves lifting the entire bridge deck to change the faulty bearings beneath.” The bridge connecting Ijora Causeway to Apapa needed extensive repairs, particularly the replacement of the defective bearings beneath the deck.
“A lot of the bearings are defective, and approximately 50 of them will be replaced across three sections.”
Kesha underlined the importance of the Ijora Bridge as a crucial artery going to Apapa, home to two of Nigeria’s busiest ports, Tincan and Apapa ports.
She stated that the closure was required for commuter safety and to stop further deterioration, notwithstanding the inconvenience it would cause.
According to her, drivers coming from Ijora would be rerouted via the Seven Up Roundabout to re-enter Apapa in order to handle the anticipated traffic jams.
In order to reach Apapa, she said, heavy-duty vehicles would be rerouted via Costain via Iganmu.
The Federal Ministry of Works had meticulously planned the diversion routes and did not foresee any significant problems, Kesha assured the public.
She appealed to road users for understanding and cooperation.
She added that there would be a time constraint on the repairs.
According to her, the ministry has received complaints from concerned citizens who have noticed intense vibrations on the bridge.
Kesha gave the assurance that the bridge would not collapse, but admitted the bridge needed urgent attention.
She said, “It won’t collapse, but it definitely needs help. If you drive on the bridge now, you will feel vibrations.
“That is because the bearings, the spring-like supports under the deck, have weakened significantly.”
“These repairs, she added, would be the first major work on the Ijora Bridge since it was constructed decades ago.
She said the initial phase of the work, which would involve lifting the deck and replacing the bearings, would require full closure.
However, subsequent activities such as removing and replacing the asphalt might be done in stages, possibly on Sundays, to reduce traffic disruption, according to the official.
Kesha emphasised the importance of public awareness, noting that the Minister of Works, Sen. Dave Umahi, had mandated that any bridge closure must be widely publicised.
“We want members of the public to know that this is for their safety.
“With their cooperation, we can finish this work in time and restore the bridge to a much safer condition,” she said.
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