The Federal Government reopened the Third Mainland Bridge late on Sunday evening, just 24 hours after it was closed for essential palliative work.
The Federal Controller of Works in Lagos, Mrs. Olukorede Kesha, expressed her satisfaction with the repairs, assuring motorists of a smooth ride until the start of comprehensive rehabilitation in January 2024.
The closure, which began at midnight on Saturday, was initiated to facilitate repairs on crucial sections of the bridge and alleviate the hardship faced by motorists. Following the completion of the repair work, the road was reopened to traffic at approximately 7 p.m.
During an on-the-spot inspection of the bridge, Controller Kesha stopped at various points between Iyana-Oworo and Adeniji-Adele where remedial repairs were carried out on a 9.7-kilometer stretch of the Lagos Island in-bound lane.
She clarified that these repairs were of a palliative nature, intended to maintain the road’s condition until the comprehensive rehabilitation scheduled for January 2024.
Kesha emphasised the longevity of the repair work, stating, “This repair is going to last beyond January; we don’t intend to do any work that will last only one or two months. Even by January, the road will still be in good condition.” She noted that some components required for the comprehensive rehabilitation were being imported for the emergency repairs to begin.
The comprehensive rehabilitation, set to commence in January, will encompass the total removal and replacement of the asphalt surface. This will also include replacing damaged ramps, expansion joints, and repainting the parapet walls, among other major repairs.
The rehabilitation project is expected to span six months but will be divided into two segments, with each phase taking three months. Once complete, the bridge will undergo a transformation, offering renewed infrastructure to the public.
Controller Kesha urged road users to continue enjoying a smooth ride on the highway while emphasising the importance of adhering to traffic and safety rules.
