Lagos residents can expect some relief on the commute between the Island and the mainland, as the Third Mainland Bridge is set for full reopening on Thursday, April 4. The announcement comes after a period of partial closure to allow for repairs from November 2023.
Minister of Works, David Umahi, confirmed the reopening during an inspection of ongoing projects in Lagos with members of the Nigerian Senate and House Committees on Works. He highlighted the aim of easing traffic congestion currently experienced by commuters.
“In the next seven days, the bridge will be opened to ease traffic,” he said
He also said there will be an official commissioning ceremony for the rehabilitated bridge when President Bola Tinubu presides over the inauguration of the construction of the coastal road project.
The 11.8-kilometer dual-lane bridge project was reconstructed by CCECCC-China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation at a cost of N21 billion, with 30% of the funding already allocated.
While the main construction is complete, additional expenses arose due to unforeseen costs for asphalt, solar lighting, and CCTV installation.
The Lagos State Commissioner for Transportation, Oluwaseun Osiyemi, echoed the reopening date on his social media, expressing gratitude to residents for their patience and cooperation during the closure.
With the Bridge reopening after 5 months, it will bring ease commute for people connecting the Lagos mainland to the Island especially Ojota-Ikorodu Road; Funsho Williams Avenue-Eko Bridge-Apogbon-CMS and Ojota-Ikorodu Road-Jibowu-Yaba-Oyingbo-Iddo-Carter Bridge-CMS axis that have taken the traffic burden since construction work commenced on the bridge.