Mrs. Olukorede Kesha, the Federal Controller of Works in Lagos State, has made a landmark decision to close the Island-bound lane of the Eko Bridge‘s Alaka-Costain-Iganmu section for 40 days, starting this Sunday.
In a joint statement with the Lagos State Government, Kesha revealed on Thursday in Lagos that the decision to announce the closure was prompted by the crucial need for rehabilitation, after spotting damages on specific parts of the bridge.
She cautioned that any delay might undermine the integrity and structural stability of the bridge, posing a significant threat to the safety of those who use it.
‘It should be noted that any further delay in the repairs and replacement of some of these bridge members could undermine the integrity and structural stability of the entire bridge and the consequence of this can be better imagined,’ she said.
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Reflecting on the past event, she recounted the occasion when she and Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu marked the opening of the Apongbon section of the bridge and made it known that intermittent closures would be part of the maintenance plan.
‘This closure is to allow the contractor, Messrs Buildwell Plants and Equipment Industries Ltd., carry out the necessary repairs with the aim of restoring the integrity of the bridge during the stipulated time frame.’
‘While the service lane leading to Iponri will be available, some alternative routes are also provided for motorists plying the route from Western Avenue and its environ.’
‘Motorists are advised to cooperate with the Traffic-Management Team deployed on the highway to manage traffic,’ she said.
In a show of genuine gratitude, she thanked the public for their understanding and sustained cooperation asking them to continue for further progress.
The Eko Bridge has long been an iconic symbol of Lagos, connecting various communities and facilitating economic activities.
The successful completion of this rehabilitation project will not only ensure its structural integrity but also serve as a testament to the efficiency and effectiveness of collaborative efforts between government agencies and private contractors.