The Minister of Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola during a press briefing on Wednesday, announced that the Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved a contract worth N6.28 billion for the maintenance of the Third Mainland Bridge in Lagos, Nigeria. The project, which will cover 11 kilometres including interchanges, ramps, and critical links, is expected to last for 24 months.
Fashola explained that the move is in line with Executive Order 11 signed by President Muhammadu Buhari in April 2022, which gives legal backing to the country’s national maintenance policy. He also noted that the ongoing works on the bridge have been focused on the substructure of the bridge, including the underwater piles, pile caps, and the replacement of expansion joints and bearings.
The new maintenance contract will address issues with the driving surface and aesthetics of the bridge, such as potholes and missing guard rails. Fashola clarified that there are no anticipated prolonged closures during the works. He also mentioned that the Lagos State Government’s Public Works Corporation will focus on the functional structure of the bridge, while the Federal Government will undertake surface maintenance.
This announcement comes two weeks after the Lagos State Government revealed its plans to rehabilitate the 32-year-old bridge to repair failed and peeled asphaltic sections and substructure.
The Third Mainland Bridge is a vital infrastructure that connects Lagos Island to the Mainland, serving as a major transportation route for millions of commuters daily. The bridge has undergone several rounds of repairs and maintenance since its construction in 1990. In 2020, it was closed for several months to allow for repairs to its expansion joints, which were causing vibrations and noise.
The Lagos State Government has previously raised concerns about the deteriorating state of the bridge and called for urgent repairs to prevent accidents and ensure the safety of commuters. With the Federal Government’s intervention, it is hoped that the bridge will receive the necessary maintenance and repairs to ensure its longevity and safety for years to come.