Nigerians are assured of a prompt and long-lasting repair after the Federal Government declared an emergency intervention on the damaged deck of the Shagamu-Benin carriageway’s Benin-bound section.
The ministry confirmed that engineers have already been sent to the site to supervise repairs in a statement released yesterday by Uchenna Orji, Special Adviser (Media) to the Minister of Works.
According to the statement, “Engineers have been mobilized immediately to the bridge situated at the border between Edo and Ondo States along the Shagamu-Benin expressway by the Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi.”
The ministry claims that a visible puncture on the Benin-bound span, one of the bridge’s five decks, recently appeared on the dual carriageway.
“Urgent remedial work has begun in accordance with the proactive measures of the Renewed Hope administration under President Bola Tinubu. After the concrete work is finished and has had time to cure, traffic is anticipated to resume in 45 days. Another span of the bridge had previously experienced a similar incident, which was quickly fixed, according to the ministry.
Officials clarified that the damage was due to normal wear and tear because the bridge, which was first built in 1981, has outlived its intended lifespan.
It is an age-related defect. Due to weather, traffic, and maintenance neglect, bridges eventually sustain punctures, cracks, corrosion, or other structural distresses, the ministry stated.
Umahi promised that the government is developing a more long-lasting solution, which involves rebuilding the entire deck with cutting-edge engineering technology. The two bridges located in the states of Ondo and Edo will also be included in the plan.
In addition, he expressed regret to drivers for the inconvenience and stated that the ministry would work with the Federal Road Safety Corps, or FRSC, to guarantee appropriate traffic control and reduce congestion during the repair phase.
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