Kara Bridge Repairs Cause Heavy Traffic

Traffic congestion has worsened along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway following the commencement of repair works on the Kara Bridge.

The Federal Government began the two-week rehabilitation on Tuesday, September 8, 2026, to replace damaged expansion joints on the bridge. The repairs had earlier been delayed to allow authorities to put adequate traffic management measures in place.

Since the work started, motorists have faced severe gridlock stretching from the Kara Bridge in Ogun State to the 7Up Junction area of Lagos and other parts of the expressway.

The congestion also affected motorists travelling from Ikeja and Agege towards the Otedola Underpass, with traffic extending beyond Otunba Jobi Fele Way.

Several commuters shared videos and photographs of the situation on social media, with many complaining that journeys that normally take a short time lasted several hours.

By Wednesday morning, some motorists resorted to driving against the normal traffic flow in an attempt to reach their destinations as the congestion persisted.

Traffic and security personnel, including the police, military, Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) and Ogun State Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Agency (TRACE), were deployed to manage the situation.

However, repair activities around the bridge’s entry and exit points towards OPIC further increased congestion in the Kara area.

TRACE spokesperson, Babatunde Akinbiyi, appealed to motorists to remain patient and cooperate with traffic officials throughout the repair period.

Akinbiyi said authorities had anticipated increased traffic and had earlier issued an advisory to motorists.

He urged motorists without urgent business along the corridor to avoid the route, while those who must use it should follow the instructions of traffic management officials.

The rehabilitation, ordered by the Minister of Works, David Umahi, involves the replacement of deteriorating expansion joints to improve road safety and preserve the structural integrity of the bridge.

The project is expected to be completed by September 22, 2026.

The Lagos State Government has also advised motorists to plan their journeys ahead and allow extra travel time. According to the government, one half of the affected section will be closed at a time, while traffic will be diverted to the available side.

Motorists have been urged to cooperate with traffic officials to minimise delays and ensure the repair work is completed on schedule.