The Federal Government, through the Ministry of Works, has announced a six-week partial closure of the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway to carry out urgent repairs on expansion joints at Kara Bridge, Magboro Bridge, and Arepo–Punch Bridge.
The closure was deemed necessary to resume critical rehabilitation work previously suspended on the Lagos-bound section of Kara Bridge, following public complaints about prolonged traffic congestion.
At Kara Bridge, Ogun State Federal Controller of Works, Michael Komolafe, apologised to motorists for the inconvenience and assured that enhanced traffic management measures would be implemented to ensure swift and safe repairs.
Komolafe explained that the expansion joints on the three bridges had deteriorated significantly, posing safety risks and contributing to road accidents. He confirmed that the Minister of Works, David Umahi, had directed urgent repairs to address the issue.
The contractor and General Manager of CBC Construction Company, Andy Duan, stated that repair work would take six weeks. Equipment mobilisation was scheduled over the weekend, with full construction expected to commence on Monday. He confirmed that parts of the Magboro and Arepo–Punch bridges on the Lagos-bound side had already been completed, and the Ibadan-bound sections would now be addressed.
“At Kara Bridge, half of the work has been finished. The remaining half will be tackled immediately under the Ministry’s direction,” Duan said. He added that safety barriers, traffic signs, and warning lights would be installed to protect both workers and road users during construction.
Duan explained that the expansion joint at Kara Bridge was in particularly poor condition and had been a cause of accidents. Work will be carried out in phases, with each bridge expected to take about a week for the Ibadan-bound side.
Meanwhile, the Lagos State Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps, Kehinde Hamzat, assured motorists that measures were in place to maintain smooth traffic flow during the construction period. He warned against driving against traffic and said violators would face sanctions.
Hamzat noted that the repairs were prompted by reports of failing expansion joints that had caused road ditches and accidents, particularly on Kara Bridge, and urged motorists to cooperate and exercise patience.
The six-week closure is intended to improve road safety and ensure durable repairs on the critical Lagos–Ibadan route.
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