The Federal Government of Nigeria has reopened the Lagos Third Mainland Bridge, which was closed for one month to complete maintenance work.
This was disclosed by the Lagos State Commissioner for Transportation, Oluwaseun Osiyemi, in a statement on Thursday.
“We are pleased to announce that parts of the Third Mainland Bridge which were closed last month will reopen today 21st December, 2023 by 6 pm,” the statement read.
“Following essential maintenance, the entire bridge is now fully accessible to the public, ensuring smoother connectivity and safe commuting,” the commissioner added.
He commended Nigerians for their “patience during the temporary closure,” adding that the government understood the inconvenience the closure may have caused.
According to Osiyemi, the federal government reaffirmed its dedication to maintaining public safety and infrastructure through the reopening.
The Federal Government, acting through the Ministry of Works, had notified more than a month prior that it would be closing two ramps on the Third Mainland Bridge to make repairs.
On November 1, the Federal Controller of Works in Lagos, O. I. Kesha, declared that ramp repairs connecting Oworoshoki to Adekunle and Lagos- Island (Adeniji Adele) to Adekunle will start simultaneously.
Motorists were instructed to cooperate with traffic management officials by adhering to all diversions, following them, and using alternate routes after the maintenance work.
Third Mainland Bridge
The Third Mainland was built in 1990. It is Africa’s second-largest bridge with nearly 12 kilometres (7.5 miles) in length.
It links Lagos Island, which is recognised as the business heart of the city, with the mainland where most Lagosians reside.
The Third Mainland Bridge serves as a major transportation route for millions of commuters daily and has undergone several rounds of repairs and maintenance since its construction.
In 2020, it was closed for several months to allow for repairs to its expansion joints, which were causing vibrations and noise.