Motorists plying the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway have been warned to prepare for prolonged traffic congestion as the Federal Ministry of Works begins the reconstruction of a failed expansion joint on the outward Lagos section of Kara Bridge, a critical maintenance project expected to last two weeks.
The rehabilitation, which commenced on Tuesday, July 28, will see the existing four-lane carriageway narrowed to two lanes over a 1.5-kilometre stretch to create a safe work zone for engineers.
Authorities said the temporary lane restriction is necessary to preserve the structural integrity of the bridge, improve road safety and prevent further deterioration.
In a traffic advisory, the Lagos State Ministry of Transportation urged commuters to adjust their travel plans, leave home earlier than usual and make use of alternative routes wherever possible to minimise delays.
The ministry noted that moderate to heavy traffic is expected around the Kara axis, particularly near Fatgbems Turn, where some motorists may attempt U-turns or divert to avoid the construction zone.
Traffic heading towards Ibadan beyond the area is, however, expected to experience less disruption.
The Federal Road Safety Corps described the project as a vital safety intervention and appealed to organisations and businesses with remote work arrangements to allow eligible employees to work from home during the construction period to reduce traffic volume on the corridor.
The Corps also advised motorists to avoid peak travel periods, obey traffic officials and refrain from one-way driving or other traffic violations, warning that offenders would be sanctioned.
Traffic management personnel from the FRSC, the Federal Ministry of Works, Lagos and Ogun traffic agencies, as well as other emergency responders, have been deployed along the corridor to manage vehicular movement and ensure the safety of both motorists and construction workers throughout the exercise.
The repair work comes just days after a series of crashes around the Kara Bridge corridor heightened public concern over safety on one of Nigeria’s busiest highways.
The bridge serves as a major gateway linking Lagos with Ogun State and the rest of the country, making any disruption along the route capable of triggering traffic build-up around Ojodu Berger, Arepo, Magboro and neighbouring communities.
Authorities have appealed to road users for patience and cooperation, assuring that the temporary inconvenience is aimed at delivering a safer and more durable bridge for millions of commuters who rely on the expressway daily.
