The Federal Ministry of Works has commenced urgent structural interventions on the Carter Bridge in Lagos following alarming signs of deterioration.
Julius Berger, contracted in 2024, is currently working on repairing the substructure above the water, including pile caps and handrails.
Underwater inspections had revealed severe damage beneath the bridge, suggesting that it has reached the end of its service life.
In its response, Julius Berger proposed extensive repairs or complete replacement with a new bridge.
The company recommended building a new bridge, noting that it would offer a 100-year design life and cost almost the same as major repairs.
Addressing concerns, the minister of Works, Engr David Umahi said re-scoping of the bridge would address rusted reinforcement due to saltwater intrusion and would also take proper study of the level of damage and deterioration of the bridge piles and pier caps which he said had overtime weakened the structural elements of the bridge.
He stated that the initial plan was to rehabilitate the bridge completely after several efforts made to restore the structural elements of the bridge.
Umahi hinted that the Carter Bridge which was built over 50 years ago had deteriorated in lifespan with all the piles and pier caps worn-out completely due to dredging activities and intrusion of high-water levels on the underdeck infrastructure, affirming that the reconstruction and re-scoping of the bridge would address deterioration and ensure the bridge’s long-term functionality.
