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The Federal Government, through the Ministry of Works, has announced a six-week partial closure of the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway to carry out urgent repairs on expansion joints at Kara Bridge, Magboro Bridge, and Arepo–Punch Bridge.
The ministry said the closure is necessary to resume critical rehabilitation works on the Lagos-bound section of Kara Bridge, which had been temporarily suspended due to public complaints over prolonged traffic congestion.
Speaking to journalists at Kara Bridge, Ogun State Federal Controller of Works, Michael Komolafe, apologized to motorists for the inconvenience and assured that enhanced traffic management measures would be put in place to ensure safe and efficient repairs.
Komolafe explained that the expansion joints on the three bridges had deteriorated significantly, posing safety risks and contributing to accidents. He added that Minister of Works, David Umahi, had ordered urgent repairs.
Half of the Lagos-bound sections of Magboro and Arepo–Punch bridges have already been completed, Komolafe said, and work will now focus on the remaining portions on the Ibadan-bound side.
Andy Duan, contractor and General Manager of CBC Construction Company, said the full repairs are expected to take six weeks. Equipment mobilization is scheduled over the weekend, with full construction set to begin on Monday, February 9.
“At Kara Bridge, half of the Lagos-bound section is already finished. We are now addressing the remaining half. The condition of the expansion joint is poor and has caused frequent traffic accidents,” Duan said. “We will install barriers, traffic signs, and warning lights to protect workers and ensure traffic moves safely. Each bridge will be repaired in phases, taking about a week per bridge for the Ibadan-bound side.”
Lagos State Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Kehinde Hamzat, reassured motorists that traffic management measures have been put in place to minimize congestion during the construction period. He warned against driving against traffic, emphasizing that violators would face sanctions.
Hamzat said the repairs are necessary due to reports of failing expansion joints that have created ditches and caused accidents, particularly on Kara Bridge, and urged motorists to cooperate and exercise patience as the work is carried out.
