As the Federal Ministry of Power, Works and Housing, in collaboration with the Lagos State Government commences a three-day investigative maintenance test on the Third Mainland Bridge from midnight, August 22.
the Lagos State Government has assured residents of free flow of traffic, urging motorists and residents to comply with all traffic rules and directional signs to alternative routes during the period.
The state government also urged motorists to cooperate with traffic personnel deployed to strategic areas to ease flow of traffic and avoid unnecessary gridlock.
The Third Mainland Bridge will be temporarily shut for three days beginning from midnight of August 23 to midnight of August 26, 2018 to allow for the test to be carried out before proper repairs in future.
Alternative routes
Akinsanya urged motorists from Lagos Abeokuta, Agege, Ogba and Ikeja to make use of Oshodi via Mushin Ojuelegba to connect Carter Bridge into Island, while those from Ikorodu, Maryland are to make use of Funsho Williams Avenue, formerly, Western Avenue via Yaba to Oyinbo and connect Eko Bridge into Island. Motorists from Okokomaiko, Festac, Oshodi-Apapa Expressway are enjoined to ply through Ajegunle via Marine Bridge to Ijora to connect Carter Bridge to Apongbon into Lagos Island. Conversely, motorists from the Island are expected to ply Eko Bridge and Carter Bridge into Mainland, while those in Lekki Ajah can also make use of Epe axis through Imota into Ikorodu.
Explaining the need for the closure, Akinsanya said
“The Third Mainland Bridge which was opened about 30 years ago by the then military government has had haphazard maintenance and repairs in the past which the present Federal Government is committed to correct by carrying out proper and continuous maintenance and repairs on it.” Similarly, the Lagos State Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps, FRSC, Mr. Hyginus Omeje, while appealing for understanding and cooperation from motorists and road users, said the corps would deploy over 1,000 men with other various operational vehicles and motorbikes to provide assistance to motorists.