…First Phase Of Maintenance Completed Ahead Of Schedule
…Traffic Diversion For Second Phase Begins.
As part of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s ongoing commitment to upgrading infrastructure in Lagos State, the Lagos State Government has announced the successful completion of the first phase of routine maintenance and rehabilitation work on the Odo lya Alaro Bridge, located in Kosofe Local Government Area.
The Special Adviser to the Governor on Infrastructure, Engineer Olufemi Daramola, shared this update during an inspection of the bridge with a team of Lagos State Government officials from the Office of Infrastructure and the Ministry of Transportation. He explained that the rehabilitation work on the bridge is divided into two phases: the Ojota-bound lane and the Yaba/Maryland-bound lane. Daramola expressed satisfaction that the first phase was completed ahead of schedule.
Earlier, the State Government had announced a 90-day traffic diversion to allow the Office of Infrastructure to carry out essential repairs on the bridge. The closure, which began on July 22, 2024, was necessary due to the poor condition of the expansion joints and the asphalt pavement at the approaches of the Odo Iya Alaro Bridge.
“The administration of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu is responsive to the challenges faced by road users and is committed to restoring the bridge as quickly as possible,” said Daramola. “There are several bridges in Lagos where the expansion joints are worn out and need replacement as part of routine maintenance. The Odo lya Alaro Bridge is one of the bridges that required urgent attention.”
Daramola stated, “We have completed the repair work on the inward Ojota carriageway and will begin work on the inward Maryland carriageway by the end of the week.” He urged stakeholders and the general public to support the ongoing efforts to ensure that the maintenance work is completed ahead of time.
While acknowledging the inconvenience caused by the maintenance work, Daramola appealed for patience and cooperation from the public. He noted that the asphalt work and replacement of expansion joints for the first phase, initially scheduled for 45 days, was completed in 30 days.
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Transportation, Mr. Olawale Musa, also provided updates during the visit. He highlighted the alternative routes mapped out by the government for each phase of the repairs.
“For the second phase, motorists heading to Ojota from Maryland/Yaba will be diverted to a contraflow on the lane inbound Maryland, while those heading to Yaba from Ojota will continue on the same lane,” he explained.
Musa advised motorists from various areas to consider alternative routes:
• From Berger, Magodo, and the Tollgate: Take the Alapere/Ogudu route toward Gbagada/Anthony Oke Bridge, then descend the ramp to access Ikorodu Road.
• From lkeja, Oregun, and Kudirat Abiola Way: Use the Opebi Link Bridge to connect to Mobolaji Bank Anthony Way inward Sheraton, then proceed through Maryland to access Ikorodu Road.
• From Jibowu: Use the Ikorodu Road service lane by Mobil Fuel Station/Bertola Engineering Equipment Company to access Gbagada/Ogudu.
• Heading to Ikeja, Magodo, Berger, and Lagos-Ibadan Expressway: Use Maryland inward Mobolaji Bank Anthony, then link Sheraton/Opebi to Allen Avenue/Obafemi Awolowo Way, and continue on Nurudeen Olowopopo Road. Alternatively, after using the Opebi Link Bridge, access Kudirat Abiola Way to reach Ikosi Road, then proceed to Mobolaji Johnson Avenue/7up to connect to Nurudeen Olowopopo Road.
The General Manager of LASTMA, Mr Olalekan Bakare-Oki, appealed to the motoring public to
cooperate with the traffic management measures during the repairs. He assured traffic
management personnel would be on the ground to help minimize inconveniences along the affected routes.