The Federal Ministry of Works has issued a seven-day ultimatum for the removal of illegal market structures beneath the Iddo Bridge in Lagos State.
Minister of Works, Engr David Umahi gave the directive on Wednesday while inspecting the bridge with stakeholders, including representatives of Julius Berger Nigeria Plc and officials from the Lagos State Ministry of Works.
Umahi also announced that a comprehensive rehabilitation of Marine and Iddo Bridge will commence to restore the structural integrity of the bridges while informing of the need to address the structural elements affected.
He explained that the bearings on both bridges need immediate reconstruction to restore the integrity of Marine and Iddo bridges.
The minister declared the seven days ultimatum for total eviction of illegal occupants and obstructions operating under the bridge and three days for total closure to work on the expanded joints of the bridge to be announced by the ministry.
He added that his ministry has granted provisional approval to carry out full rehabilitation repairs of Iddo – Marine Bridge within 21 days.
Umahi who said the repairs will be carried out on weekends announced that the Federal Controller of Works will announce a planned diversion route for vehicles to ply during the period.
He further directed Julius Berger to carry out the rehabilitation work within specified period, reminding that time is of great concern.
Controller of Works Lagos State, Engr, Olukorede Kesha directed motorists to ply the Ijora and Apapa ways as alternative routes as the remedial work is expected to start on the bridge.
She said that the bridge connecting Ijora Causeway to Apapa needed comprehensive repairs, especially replacement of defective bearings beneath the deck.
Kesha said, “This Bridge has been awarded for some time now in different phases. We are now at the final phase, which involves lifting the entire bridge deck to change the faulty bearings beneath.
“A lot of the bearings are defective, and approximately 50 of them will be replaced across three sections.”
Kesha emphasised the importance of the Ijora Bridge as a major route leading to Apapa, home to two of Nigeria’s busiest ports, Tincan and Apapa ports.
She acknowledged the disruption the closure would cause, but emphasised the need for the repairs as necessary for the safety of commuters and to prevent further deterioration.
The Works Controller said to manage expected gridlock, motorists approaching from Ijora would be redirected through Seven-Up Roundabout to reconnect to Apapa.
She said that heavy-duty vehicles would be diverted via Costain through Iganmu to access Apapa.
Kesha reassured the public that the Federal Ministry of Works had carefully planned the diversion routes and did not anticipate major issues.
According to her, the ministry has received complaints from concerned citizens who have noticed intense vibrations on the bridge.
Kesha gave the assurance that the bridge would not collapse but admitted the bridge needed urgent attention.
She said, “It won’t collapse, but it definitely needs help. If you drive on the bridge now, you will feel vibrations.
“That is because the bearings, the spring-like supports under the deck, have weakened significantly.”
This repairs, she added, would be the first major work on the Ijora Bridge since it was constructed decades ago.
