The Federal Government has commenced the demolition of the ageing Carter Bridge in Lagos as part of plans to replace the structure with a new 1.93-kilometre bridge estimated at N548.98bn.
The Minister of Works, David Umahi, said the decision to replace the bridge followed several technical assessments which showed that the existing structure had deteriorated beyond safe rehabilitation.
According to Umahi, assessments carried out in 2013, 2019 and under the current administration reached similar conclusions about the condition of the bridge, particularly its underwater components.
He explained that the submerged piles and pile caps had suffered significant deterioration, making complete reconstruction preferable to rehabilitation.
Umahi said, “The underwater piles and pile caps had suffered severe deterioration, making complete demolition and reconstruction necessary.”
The existing Carter Bridge is approximately 1.525 kilometres long, while the proposed replacement will measure about 1.93 kilometres.
The new bridge will also include a flyover ramp designed to ease congestion around the corridor and improve movement between Lagos Island and the mainland.
The Federal Government said the replacement structure would feature two navigational channels, each measuring 105 metres.
The contract was awarded to the China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation following a competitive bidding process involving other major construction firms, including Julius Berger, CCECC, CBC and China Harbour High Tech.
Before awarding the reconstruction contract, the Federal Executive Council approved N5.6bn for advanced engineering consultancy, design and costing for the project.
Carter Bridge has for decades served as a major transportation link between Lagos Island and the mainland, carrying commuters, businesses and commercial activities between both parts of the city.
However, prolonged exposure to heavy traffic and the marine environment has contributed to the deterioration of the structure, particularly its submerged sections.
The Federal Government said rehabilitation had initially been considered but was ruled out after technical assessments indicated that reconstruction would provide a safer and more durable solution.
The demolition and subsequent construction are expected to affect traffic along the Lagos Island-mainland corridor, prompting the need for traffic management measures to reduce disruption to commuters.
When completed, the replacement bridge is expected to improve connectivity and traffic movement along the corridor, with the proposed flyover also designed to address a major congestion point.
The project forms part of the Federal Government’s efforts to replace ageing infrastructure and improve the safety and efficiency of critical transportation links across the country.
