The Federal Ministry of Works announced on Thursday that sections of the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway will undergo a six-week partial closure to enable urgent repairs on expansion joints at three major bridges: Kara Bridge, Magboro Bridge, and Arepo–Punch Bridge.
The ministry stated that the closure is necessary to complete critical rehabilitation work on the Lagos-bound section of Kara Bridge, which had previously been suspended due to motorist complaints about severe traffic congestion.
Speaking with journalists at Kara Bridge, Ogun State Federal Controller of Works Michael Komolafe apologized for the anticipated inconvenience and promised that robust traffic management strategies would be implemented to ensure repairs are completed quickly and effectively.
Komolafe explained that the expansion joints on all three bridges have deteriorated substantially, creating safety hazards and contributing to road accidents. He noted that Works Minister Engr. David Umahi has ordered immediate intervention on the affected sections.
Repairs have already been completed on half of the Lagos-bound lanes at Magboro and Arepo–Punch bridges, with the remaining portions and Ibadan-bound lanes scheduled for attention during this closure period.
Andy Duan, General Manager of CBC Construction Company, the contractor handling the project, confirmed that the six-week repair timeline will begin with equipment mobilization over the weekend, followed by full-scale construction starting Monday.
Duan revealed that expansion joint repairs at Magboro and Arepo–Punch bridges are partially complete, as is half of the Lagos-bound section at Kara Bridge. “We previously suspended work at Kara Bridge to minimize traffic disruption, but we’ve now received ministry approval to complete the job,” he said.
He emphasized that the Kara Bridge expansion joint is in particularly poor condition and has been linked to multiple accidents. Safety measures including barriers, traffic signs, warning lights, and protective devices will be installed throughout the construction zone.
“We anticipate completing half of each expansion joint within one week. The Ibadan-bound lanes across all three bridges will be addressed in phases, with approximately one week allocated per bridge,” Duan added.
Federal Road Safety Corps Lagos State Sector Commander Kehinde Hamzat assured motorists that traffic management plans are in place to maintain flow during construction. He issued a stern warning against driving against traffic, stating that offenders will face penalties.
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