The Federal Government has reopened the Independence Bridge in Lagos following urgent repair work, just two days after the bridge’s closure led to extensive traffic gridlock affecting millions of commuters.
The decision to reopen the bridge came after public outcry prompted the Minister of Works, David Umahi, to order its immediate re-access on Thursday. The bridge had been closed for planned maintenance and rehabilitation, contributing to significant congestion in the city.
Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, extended his apologies to residents for the inconvenience caused by the closure.
At the reopening ceremony on Friday, Minister Umahi explained that the closure was necessary due to a structural failure involving the bridge’s approach slab, which had caved in due to a faulty design. He revealed that the original construction of the slab as a cantilever was structurally unsound. The integrity of the slab was compromised when the sand fill beneath it leaked, posing a serious risk to motorists and pedestrians alike.
The reopening of the Independence Bridge is expected to alleviate traffic congestion in the area and improve the flow of movement in Lagos.
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