Lagos: Nigerian govt begins Kara Bridge repairs September 8
Federal Government to Begin Repairs on Kara Bridge Expansion Joints
The Federal Government has announced that it will start repairs on the damaged expansion joints at the Kara Bridge section of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway on September 8.
The repair work, which is projected to last two weeks, was confirmed by the Federal Ministry of Works during an inspection of the affected area on Saturday.
Richard Adeleye, the Acting Controller of the Federal Ministry of Works in Ogun State, stated that the repairs are necessary due to the expansion joints having exceeded their service life, posing a safety risk to motorists.
To minimize traffic disruption during the repairs, Adeleye noted that the work would be carried out in phases. Initially, one side of the affected section will be closed to traffic, allowing vehicles to use the other side under controlled conditions. After one week, the focus will shift to the opposite side of the bridge.
“There will be traffic control from the 8th of this month, which will last for two weeks due to the curing process required before reopening,” Adeleye said. He emphasized that vehicles would be permitted to pass through the available lane at reduced speeds throughout the duration of the construction.
To manage anticipated traffic challenges, personnel from the Federal Road Safety Corps, Ogun State Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Corps, and the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority will be stationed in the vicinity.
Adeleye explained that expansion joints are engineered to allow bridges to accommodate natural expansion and contraction caused by temperature variations. He cautioned that neglecting the damaged joints could lead to severe structural issues, including cracking and buckling of the bridge.
He also expressed concern about the deteriorating joints being linked to several accidents in the area, highlighting the urgency of the repairs. “It is better done now because it has been causing a lot of accidents. We have witnessed incidents, even during our last visit,” he acknowledged.
Adeleye assured motorists that the repairs would be completed within the two-week timeframe, barring any unforeseen circumstances. He advised those traveling toward Ibadan to consider alternative routes, such as the Ikorodu-Ogijo Road and surrounding roads around Sango and Abeokuta.
Those who choose to remain on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway will be able to pass through the construction zone, which will encompass approximately 100 meters, allowing them to exit shortly after crossing the bridge.
He characterized the intervention as essential for the preservation of the bridge, mentioning that the new expansion joints are expected to last between 10 and 20 years.
