FG announces closure of Ijora Bridge for repairs April 27

The Federal Government has announced the complete shutdown of the Ijora Bridge in Lagos starting April 27 to facilitate essential repair works.

This development was confirmed by Mrs. Olukorede Kesha, the Federal Controller of Works in Lagos, during an inspection visit to the bridge on Monday.

According to her, the bridge, which serves as a crucial link between the Ijora Causeway and Apapa, requires extensive rehabilitation.

She highlighted that the major focus of the repair project would be the replacement of faulty bearings beneath the bridge deck, stressing the urgency and importance of the operation to ensure the structure’s safety and durability.

Mrs. Kesha assured that alternative routes and traffic management measures would be put in place to minimize inconvenience for motorists and commuters during the period of the closure.

Kesha said: “This bridge has been awarded for some time now in different phases.

“We are now at the final phase, which involves lifting the entire bridge deck to change the faulty bearings beneath.

“A lot of the bearings are defective, and approximately 50 of them will be replaced across three sections.”

Kesha emphasised the importance of the Ijora Bridge as a major route leading to Apapa, home to two of Nigeria’s busiest ports, Tincan and Apapa ports.

She acknowledged the disruption the closure would cause but said that it was necessary for the safety of commuters and to prevent further deterioration.

She said that, to manage expected gridlock, motorists approaching from Ijora would be redirected through the Seven Up Roundabout to reconnect to Apapa.

She said that heavy-duty vehicles would be diverted via Costain through Iganmu to access Apapa.

Kesha reassured the public that the Federal Ministry of Works had carefully planned the diversion routes and did not anticipate major issues.

She appealed to road users for understanding and cooperation.

She also said that the repairs would be time-sensitive.

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.