The Federal Ministry of Works has announced a 60-day closure of the Marine Bridge in Lagos, starting Sunday, April 27, as part of ongoing structural maintenance aimed at ensuring the safety and longevity of the bridge.
Confirming the development to Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily on Tuesday, the Federal Controller of Works in Lagos State, Olukorede Kesha, explained that the repair works would be carried out in phases, beginning with a complete shutdown of the first section of the bridge for 20 days.
“This phase of the repair involves replacing about 50 bearings,” Kesha said.
“To do that, we need to lift the bridge at specific points. The first section at the beginning of the bridge will require a full closure for 20 days,” she added.
The closure is expected to significantly affect traffic flow in and around Apapa, Ijora, and Iganmu, key transport corridors for both commercial and passenger vehicles in Lagos.
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Kesha clarified that the Marine Bridge is often confused with the nearby Ijora Bridge, and urged the public to note the distinction as only the Marine Bridge would be affected.
Partial Diversions to Follow Initial Closure
Following the first phase of the repairs, subsequent stages will not involve full closures, but rather partial diversions to maintain a reasonable flow of traffic.
“The second section is around the middle of the bridge, and we plan to divert traffic there. The two lanes from Iganmu will be merged, so we can shift traffic to one side for another 20 days,” Kesha noted.
The final phase of the project will focus on the descent of the bridge into Apapa, near the Area B Police Command, where traffic will again be diverted for another 20 days.
“The entire repair project is scheduled to span approximately 60 days,” she added, emphasizing that the first 20 days will have the most significant impact on traffic due to the full closure.
Alternative Routes and Motorist Advisory
In a bid to ease anticipated congestion, Kesha advised heavy-duty truck drivers and other motorists to make use of alternative routes, particularly during the full closure phase.
“If you’re an articulated truck (driver), don’t come through Ijora. From Costain, link Iganmu and head straight to Apapa,” she recommended.
“Smaller vehicles or trucks with business around Ijora 7UP can turn left at the roundabout and use the access route up to the bridge,” she added.
Kesha acknowledged that a similar, unscheduled closure earlier in April had caused severe traffic gridlock in parts of the city. However, she assured the public that this time, early notifications, structured diversion plans, and coordinated traffic advisories are in place to minimize disruption.
She urged motorists to pay attention to road signs, follow diversion markings, and stay updated via traffic reports throughout the 60-day repair period.