The Federal Government says it would completely shut down the Third Mainland Bridge for three days to allow for ongoing rehabilitation works on the bridge.
Federal Controller of Works in Lagos, Olukayode Popoola, who announced the development on Wednesday, said the closure would take effect from 12 am on Friday, January 29th to February 1st.
He said the closure was necessary to allow for repairs of the fragile and crucial expansion joints replacement.
“The construction works has reached the stage for casting concrete on additional three expansion joints, hence the need to stop all movements on the bridge that could cause vibrations,” he said.
Popoola noted that the 72 hours closure was to make sure that the concrete sets properly during the curing process’ to make the rehabilitation works perfect and durable.
He, therefore, implored motorists and residents to be patient, adding that, President Muhammadu Buhari administration was passionate about quality infrastructure delivery and safety of road users.
“The contractor is planning to cast three number expansion joints on January 30 and Sunday 31.
”This will require total closure of Third Mainland bridge from 12:00 midnight of Friday 29th till midnight of February 1, 2021.
“We are sorry for the inconveniences this may cause Lagosians,” Popoola said.
Recall that the Third Mainland Bridge in Lagos, which is undergoing series of repairs, had to be partially shut for 6 months which began on July 24, 2020, for rehabilitation works.
On his part, Minister of Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola, while carrying out an inspection of the ongoing construction work said the Federal Government was committed to swift completion of the repair work of the bridge which is scheduled to be reopened on February 15, 2021, to traffic.
“On the Third Mainland Bridge most of our work is almost done, we lost two weeks during the civil protest and our completion date earlier was towards the end of January, which has slipped.
“We are hoping that by February 15, we should be done and the bridge should be opened to the public.”
