Julius Berger Gives Update On Lagos Bridge Rehabilitation Projects

Julius Berger Gives Update on Lagos Bridge Rehabilitation Projects

Julius Berger Nigeria has provided a major progress update on the ongoing rehabilitation of key Lagos bridges being executed under the supervision of the Federal Ministry of Works, as part of a nationwide infrastructure renewal programme aimed at restoring ageing transport assets and improving commuter safety across Nigeria’s commercial capital.The rehabilitation programme covers critical transport links including the Third Mainland Bridge, Carter Bridge, Iddo Bridge and the Iddo Bridge Underpass. According to the company, the projects were awarded in 2023 following growing concerns over structural deterioration caused by marine corrosion, tidal forces, ageing infrastructure and heavy vehicular traffic.Julius Berger disclosed that rehabilitation work on Carter Bridge has largely been completed, with the project currently in its close-out phase. The company said the intervention focused mainly on underwater structural components and substructure elements that had suffered corrosion damage over time due to constant exposure to tidal activity and lagoon conditions. Physical construction work on the bridge reportedly ended in January 2026.The bridge remains one of Lagos’ oldest and busiest transport corridors linking Lagos Island with the mainland. Structural experts have long warned about deterioration linked to traffic overload and environmental exposure. On the Third Mainland Bridge, Julius Berger said rehabilitation works have attained about 80 per cent physical completion. The company noted that major structural repairs have already been carried out on critical components including the deck soffit, piers and underwater pile caps. According to the contractor, the bridge has now entered a one-year monitoring phase designed to evaluate structural stability and long-term durability after rehabilitation. The monitoring period is currently in its third month, while approximately 60 per cent of the allocated budget has already been committed to the project.Earlier inspections by the Minister of Works, David Umahi, confirmed concerns about underwater structural damage caused by illegal dredging and collisions involving vessels operating around the bridge corridor. The minister stated that some pile caps and underwater support elements had suffered severe impact damage, prompting intensified engineering interventions.The Third Mainland Bridge remains Nigeria’s busiest bridge and one of Africa’s longest, serving as a critical connection between Lagos Island and mainland districts including Yaba, Oworonshoki and Ikeja.Julius Berger also reported that rehabilitation works on the Iddo Bridge are progressing steadily, with the project currently about 30 per cent completed. Unlike the Carter Bridge repairs, the Iddo project involves significant demolition and reconstruction due to extensive structural deterioration.The company explained that damaged sections are being rebuilt using reinforced concrete girders, upgraded reinforcement systems and stronger support structures intended to improve long-term resilience and traffic safety.At the Iddo Bridge Underpass, reconstruction progress has reached approximately 38 per cent. Julius Berger stated that the old structure was completely removed to enable full redevelopment of the corridor. The project scope includes the installation of Continuous Reinforced Concrete Pavement (CRCP), improved drainage systems, modern street lighting and upgraded utility infrastructure.The company explained that CRCP technology is designed to tightly control cracking patterns rather than eliminate them completely, thereby extending pavement durability and reducing maintenance requirements over time. The rehabilitation works form part of the broader infrastructure renewal programme under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration. The Federal Ministry of Works says the interventions are intended to improve commuter safety, reduce structural risks and support economic activity across Lagos State.Officials have also raised concerns about recurring damage caused by illegal dredging and waterway activities around bridge foundations. During a recent inspection, Minister Umahi called for stricter enforcement and monitoring around Lagos waterways to protect underwater bridge components from further damage. The projects are expected to significantly improve traffic flow across Lagos, where the bridges serve millions of commuters daily and remain central to the city’s transportation and commercial network.