The Federal Controller of Works in Lagos, Mr Olufemi Dare, says the Federal Government is weighing the possible shutdown of a carriageway on Eko Bridge, subject to the approval of the Minister of Works, Sen. Dave Umahi. Dare disclosed this at a press conference on Tuesday in Lagos. He said:……
The Federal Controller of Works in Lagos, Mr Olufemi Dare, says the Federal Government is weighing the possible shutdown of a carriageway on Eko Bridge, subject to the approval of the Minister of Works, Sen. Dave Umahi.
Dare disclosed this at a press conference on Tuesday in Lagos.
He said: “If he agrees with our recommendations, a carriageway of the bridge may be completely shut down to traffic.”
He said that the move followed a recent joint inspection by consultants, contractors and officials of the Federal Ministry of Works, which revealed that about eight piles on the bridge had been badly damaged, posing significant risk to users.
Dare attributed the damage largely to the activities of miners and scavengers, noting that some of the piles had lost their concrete covering, leaving only exposed reinforcement.
He added that the minister of works, was expected to visit Lagos for further assessment and to take a final decision on the recommendations.
On Carter Bridge, Dare said the structure had exceeded its serviceability lifespan and had been declared irredeemable, confirming that it would be demolished and reconstructed.
“It has been in the public domain that Carter bridge will be demolished. It has exceeded its serviceability limit and cannot be redeemed. A new bridge will be constructed,” he said.
He noted that a rigorous bidding process involving major construction firms had been concluded, with China Civil Engineering Construction Company (CCECC) emerging as the preferred contractor.
According to him, the minister will, during his visit, officially hand over the project to the contractor.
Dare further disclosed that the minister would also inspect Marine Bridge, where some defects had recently been observed in spite ongoing construction work, to determine necessary interventions.
He said the minister would equally assess the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project to ascertain its readiness for commissioning.
“The Section One of the coastal highway has reached about 98 per cent completion. Motorists can now travel about 47 kilometres from Ahmadu Bello Way to Eleko on concrete pavement,” he said.
Dare added that the minister’s visit would provide an opportunity to take critical decisions on the projects to enhance safety and improve infrastructure delivery in Lagos.
