Lagos State government has reopened the Ogudu-Ifako Bridge to vehicular traffic following the early completion of major works on its expansion joints.
The bridge, a vital link on one of the state’s busiest transport corridors, had been partially closed since June 28 to allow critical maintenance. Originally slated to take 101 days, the project was completed in just 78 days.
Fielding questions from journalists during an inspection and official reopening on Tuesday, the Special Adviser on Infrastructure, Mr Olufemi Daramola, and Commissioner for Transportation, Mr Seun Osiyemi, praised stakeholders’ swift completion and cooperation.
The repair works were carried out in eight phases. The first four phases, covering the Ogudu/Ifako inbound Alapere stretch, were completed by August 16.
The remaining phases, which addressed the inbound Oworonshoki axis, began in August and have also been completed.
Daramola explained that the project focused on fixing four damaged expansion joints, an essential part of the bridge’s structure.
He warned that leaving the joints unattended could have posed safety risks and weakened the bridge over time.
“We undertook this repair to guarantee safety. Thankfully, with the cooperation of the people, we have been able to deliver ahead of schedule,” he said, commending the patience of Lagos residents during the closure.
The Commissioner for Transportation, Mr Osiyemi, also expressed appreciation to the public, noting that the project’s success was partly due to their endurance and support.
“This success belongs to everyone. Lagosians endured the inconveniences and supported the process. We sincerely appreciate your perseverance and patience,” he said.
He added that the state government remains committed to its infrastructure renewal programme, citing completed repairs on the Odo-Iyalaro and Apongbon bridges and other ongoing projects across Lagos.
Both officials urged residents to protect the rehabilitated infrastructure, emphasising that such projects are funded by taxpayers and intended to deliver long-term benefits.
Looking ahead, the government announced that similar maintenance work is being planned for the Maza-Maza area.
Commuters and commercial drivers welcomed the reopening with relief. Ms Adebisi Adesesan, a daily commuter, said the completed works would ease traffic congestion. “We suffered long hours during the closure, but this is worth it,” she said.
A commercial driver noted that travel time and fuel costs had significantly increased during the bridge’s partial closure, saying, “Traffic was terrible. This reopening is a big relief for us.”
