The federal government has raised an alarm over the current state of the Carter Bridge, which was initially built by the British colonial government in 1901. It says the government is considering reconstructing the bridge.
The Minister of Works, Engr Dave Umahi, who emphasised that the bridge is critically distressed and urgently needed intervention, explained that the first and oldest bridge was initially built to connect Lagos Island from the mainland.
Umahi, while inspecting the bridge alongside Julius Berger, Hitech contractors and the controller of works in Lagos, pointed out that preliminary technical investigations have already revealed significant structural defects on the Carter Bridge, prompting serious debate among stakeholders on the best course of action.
He noted that while some experts are advocating complete demolition and reconstruction, others are recommending a partial rehabilitation approach that could save time and money.
He stressed that a final decision would be made after submitting comprehensive technical reports currently being compiled.
He said saltwater intrusion has corroded the infrastructure’s underground piles and pile caps and noted that they would save the bridge from imminent danger of collapsing.
The minister stated that if the observations’ outcomes are as they were sent earlier, both the ramp and the upper section of the Bridge will have to go.
“Julius Berger is currently rehabilitating the piers and underwater decks both for Carter and Third Mainland Bridges, to salvage these structures for the reconstruction of the upper deck,’’ he said.
He emphasised that all stakeholders decided that the Carter Bridge should be demolished. Still, Umahi said he would wait until he comes back to re-examine the previous underwater investigation for specific details regarding the bridge’s future.
He also hinted at the plan to join the Lagos-Calabar coastal road with the Sokoto-Badagry expressway through a 2.9-kilometre underwater channel, the first in Africa.
