The Federal Government, through the Federal Ministry of Works, has announced a six-week partial closure of sections of the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway to allow for urgent repairs on expansion joints at Kara Bridge, Magboro Bridge and Arepo–Punch Bridge.
The ministry said the closure was necessary to resume critical rehabilitation works earlier suspended on the Lagos-bound section of Kara Bridge, following persistent complaints from motorists over severe traffic congestion and safety concerns.
Addressing journalists at Kara Bridge, the Ogun State Federal Controller of Works, Michael Komolafe, apologised to road users for the inconvenience and assured them that improved traffic management measures would be put in place to ensure smooth vehicular movement during the repair period.
Komolafe explained that the expansion joints on the three bridges had significantly deteriorated, posing serious safety risks and contributing to road traffic accidents. He said the Minister of Works, David Umahi, had ordered immediate intervention to prevent further incidents.
“The condition of the expansion joints is a major safety concern, and urgent repairs have been approved to avert further accidents,” he said.
Providing details of the ongoing works, Andy Duan, General Manager of CBC Construction Company, said repairs on the Lagos-bound sections of the Magboro and Arepo–Punch bridges had been completed, with work now shifting to the Ibadan-bound sections.
“At Kara Bridge, half of the Lagos-bound section has been completed, and attention will now be focused on the remaining portion,” Duan said. “The expansion joints there are in very poor condition and have been a major cause of accidents.”
He added that construction equipment would be fully mobilised over the weekend, with intensive work commencing on Monday. According to him, repairs would be carried out in phases, with half of each expansion joint expected to be completed within one week.
Duan assured motorists that safety measures, including barriers, warning signs and lighting, would be installed to protect both road users and construction workers throughout the duration of the project.
Meanwhile, the Lagos State Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Kehinde Hamzat, urged motorists to remain patient and comply with traffic regulations during the construction period. He warned against driving against traffic, stressing that violators would be sanctioned.
Hamzat noted that the repairs were critical, as the failing expansion joints had created hazardous ditches on the bridges, particularly at Kara Bridge, contributing to several accidents.
