The Federal Government, through the Federal Ministry of Works, has announced a six-week partial closure of the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway to allow for urgent repairs on damaged expansion joints at Kara Bridge, Magboro Bridge, and Arepo–Punch Bridge.
The ministry said the decision became necessary to resume rehabilitation work that was earlier suspended on the Lagos-bound section of Kara Bridge following complaints from motorists over severe traffic congestion.
Speaking with journalists at Kara Bridge, the Ogun State Federal Controller of Works, Michael Komolafe, apologised to road users for the inconvenience and assured that better traffic management measures would be put in place to reduce delays during the repair period.
Komolafe explained that the expansion joints on the three bridges had worn out badly, creating safety concerns and contributing to road accidents. He noted that the Minister of Works, David Umahi, ordered immediate repairs to prevent further deterioration.
He also revealed that work had already been completed on half of the Lagos-bound sections of Magboro and Arepo–Punch bridges, while the remaining repairs would now focus on the Ibadan-bound lanes.
The General Manager of CBC Construction Company, Andy Duan, confirmed that the repair work would last six weeks. He said equipment mobilisation would be completed over the weekend, while full construction would begin on Monday.
Duan added that half of the Lagos-bound section of Kara Bridge had already been fixed, but the remaining part still required urgent attention due to its poor condition, which he said had been responsible for several accidents.
According to him, the construction site will be secured with barriers, warning signs, lights, and other safety measures before diversions begin, to protect both motorists and workers.
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He explained that each bridge would be handled in phases, with half of each expansion joint expected to be completed within a week.
Meanwhile, the Lagos State Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Kehinde Hamzat, assured motorists that traffic control measures would be enforced to ensure smooth movement throughout the repair period.
Hamzat warned drivers against driving against traffic, stressing that offenders would face sanctions. He urged motorists to remain patient and cooperate, describing the closure as a necessary step to improve safety and prevent further accidents on the expressway.
