Lagos-Ibadan Expressway Relief As First Phase Of Kara Bridge Repairs Completed

Lagos-Ibadan Expressway Relief as First Phase of Kara Bridge Repairs Completed There was a glimmer of relief for motorists on the Lagos Ibadan Expressway on Wednesday as the contractor handling repairs of the Kara Bridge completed the first phase of the concrete works, although traffic congestion continued to affect the busy corridor. The development followed hours of gridlock experienced by motorists on Tuesday after repair works forced a partial closure of the bridge. Some commuters reportedly spent nearly four hours on the road as traffic backed up along the corridor. By Wednesday afternoon, traffic movement had improved compared with the previous day, although motorists approaching the Kara Bridge were still moving slowly. One motorist said the situation was better than Tuesday, when it took almost three hours to travel from the 7Up area to Otedola. The Federal Ministry of Works began the intervention to repair damaged expansion joints on the bridge. The deteriorated joints had been linked to accidents and posed safety concerns for motorists. Acting Controller of Works in Ogun State, Richard Adeleye, said the first side of the bridge had been completed despite the difficult working conditions. He explained that the contractor would proceed to the second section before switching to the other side of the bridge. However, rainfall on Wednesday forced the suspension of some of the next-stage concrete and stone works. Workers continued drilling the expansion joint in preparation for its installation, while activities that could not safely proceed in the rain were temporarily suspended. The repair programme is being executed in phases to reduce the impact on traffic. The Federal Government had earlier announced that the intervention was expected to last about two weeks, with completion targeted for September 22, 2026, subject to construction and operational conditions. Traffic management arrangements currently leave only two lanes available for motorists heading towards the OPIC Turning. The four lanes from the Secretariat towards Kara Bridge are merged into two lanes shortly before the bridge, creating additional pressure on the corridor. Traffic congestion has also affected the New Garage area, where traffic lights are being used to alternate vehicles approaching from Isheri-Olowora and River Valley with motorists coming from Otedola Bridge and heading out of Lagos. The resulting backlog has extended towards the Mobil-Otedola axis. LASTMA officials, police officers and other traffic management personnel have been deployed at strategic points to regulate movement. Adeleye urged motorists to remain patient and consider alternative routes where possible. Among the routes suggested are the Ogijo and Ikorodu corridors, where traffic was reportedly lighter. The Lagos State Government had also warned motorists ahead of the repairs that delays were expected and advised road users to plan their journeys accordingly. Adeleye said the damaged expansion joints had contributed to accidents on the bridge, making the repairs necessary despite the temporary disruption to traffic. He explained that the concrete being used is expected to achieve the required strength within five to seven days, after which the repaired section can be reopened to traffic. He also expressed confidence that, barring unforeseen circumstances, the entire intervention would be completed within the scheduled two-week period. The latest development offers some relief to motorists who have endured severe congestion since the latest phase of the Kara Bridge repairs began, even as traffic authorities continue efforts to manage the disruption along one of Nigeria’s busiest transport corridors.