Video: Lagos Lists Alternative Routes as FG Announces Sudden Closure of Eko Bridge

Matilda Omonaiye/

The Federal Government has announced the closure of Alaka Bridge linking Eko Bridge in Lagos after a portion of the bridge failed.

Both the federal government and its Lagos counterpart said the closure was precautionary to prevent the total collapse of the bridge.

Officials from both Lagos State Ministry Works and Federal Ministry of Works and their Transportation counterparts assessed the damage to the bridge at about 9 pm yesterday.

Also, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu reportedly led officials of the state government to inspect the failed portion of the bridge this morning.

The state government has consequently issued a travel advisory for motorists in a statement on its Twitter handle, @followlasg.

“LASG has announced alternative routes for motorists as the Federal Controller of Works, Mr. Adedamola Kuti confirmed the closure of a section of Eko Bridge to enable rehabilitation works on worn-out bearings noticed between Alaka and Costain portion inwards Apongbon for the emergency closure.

“The Special Adviser to the Governor on Works and Infrastructure Engr. Aramide Adeyoye, issued a statement after the joint appraisal of a failed section by an Inter-ministerial technical team.

“Engr. Adeyoye said it became necessary to close a section of the bridge to prevent endangering the lives of commuters using the bridge, pending commencement of repairs.

“She stated that despite the inconvenience that may arise from the closure, the government resorted to immediate closure to prevent a situation that could lead to loss of lives in the event that the worn-out section of the bridge gives way.

“Motorists have been advised to use alternative routes announced by the Lagos State Government for those heading to Lagos Island from Funsho Williams Avenue through Iponri to Costain, connecting Eko Bridge through the National Theatre entry point.”

“Motorists can also pass from Bode Thomas to Eric Moore Road and connect Abebe Village (Nigerian Breweries) to Costain and link their destination through national Theatre to Eko Bridge”, the travel advisory stated.

“Other alternative routes provided are from National Stadium to connect Shitta Roundabout, onward to Adeniran Ogunsanya Road, Bode Thomas, Eric Moore to Abebe Village (Nigerian Breweries) and Costain to link destination through Eko Bridge.

“Motorists from Ojuelegba are also advised to ply Tejuoso through to Yaba, Murtala Mohammed Way to Oyingbo -Iddo -Otto to Idumota Bridge or Carter Bridge and connect their destination.

“Commuters from Agege Motor Road or Ikorodu Road should drive through Jibowu to connect Herbert Macaulay Way to Adekunle and 3rd Mainland Bridge towards Lagos Island or other destinations”, the statement added.

The Special Adviser appealed to all road users for the abrupt notice but explained that the decision was inevitable to prevent a situation that could compromise the integrity of the bridge and lead to loss of lives and property.

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