The Federal Government, through the Federal Ministry of Works, on Thursday announced a six-week partial closure of the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway to carry out urgent repairs on the expansion joints at Kara Bridge, Magboro Bridge, and Arepo–Punch Bridge.
The ministry said the closure is necessary to resume critical rehabilitation works on the Lagos-bound section of Kara Bridge, which had been previously suspended due to public complaints over prolonged traffic congestion.
Addressing journalists at Kara Bridge, Ogun State Federal Controller of Works, Michael Komolafe, apologized to motorists for the inconvenience and assured that enhanced traffic management measures would be implemented to ensure swift and durable repairs.
Komolafe explained that the expansion joints on the three bridges had deteriorated significantly, posing safety risks and contributing to traffic accidents. He noted that Minister of Works David Umahi had directed urgent repairs to safeguard motorists.
The contractor and General Manager of CBC Construction Company, Andy Duan, said work would take six weeks. Mobilisation of equipment will be completed over the weekend, with full construction expected to start on Monday.
Duan confirmed that repairs on half of the Lagos-bound sections of Magboro and Arepo–Punch bridges had already been completed, while the remaining portions on the Ibadan-bound side would now be addressed.
“At Kara Bridge, half of the Lagos-bound section is finished. We are now tackling the other half under the Ministry’s directive to resolve the issue without worsening traffic,” Duan said, adding that the bridge’s deteriorating expansion joint had been causing accidents.
He said materials such as barriers, traffic signs, and warning lights would be installed to protect workers and ensure safe traffic flow. “We aim to complete half of each expansion joint within a week. Work on the Ibadan-bound side will be phased, with each bridge taking about a week,” he explained.
Meanwhile, Lagos State Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps, Kehinde Hamzat, urged motorists to comply with traffic management measures, warning that violations, including driving against traffic, would be sanctioned.
Hamzat noted that the repairs were prompted by reports of failing expansion joints that had caused ditches and crashes, particularly on Kara Bridge, and urged drivers to exercise patience, describing the closure as a necessary step to improve road safety and infrastructure.
