The Federal Ministry of Works has announced that the Marine Bridge in Lagos will be closed for 60 days starting Sunday, April 27, to allow for major structural repairs.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily, the Federal Controller of Works in Lagos, Olukorede Kesha, explained that the repairs will be done in phases. The first phase involves a complete closure of the bridge’s entry point for 20 days, which is expected to cause heavy traffic in areas like Apapa, Ijora, and Iganmu.
“This first part of the bridge needs to be fully closed so we can replace about 50 worn-out bearings. To do that, we have to lift the bridge at three critical points,” Kesha said.
After the first 20 days, the rest of the repairs will not require total closure. Instead, traffic will be diverted around the middle and exit sections of the bridge:
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Phase 2: Traffic near the center of the bridge will be diverted, with both lanes from Iganmu merged to one side for another 20 days.
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Phase 3: Repairs will move to the Apapa end of the bridge, near the Area B Police Command, also lasting about 20 days with traffic diversions in place.
Kesha noted that the full 60-day repair period is necessary, but the most significant traffic disruptions will occur during the initial 20-day full closure.
To ease congestion, she advised truck drivers and other road users to consider alternative routes:
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Articulated trucks should avoid Ijora and instead use Iganmu via Costain to reach Apapa.
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Smaller vehicles or trucks with business near Ijora 7UP can turn left at the roundabout to access the bridge from a side route.
Kesha added that this planned closure follows a previous unplanned one in April that caused major gridlock. This time, early notice and traffic management plans have been put in place to reduce the impact.
She urged all drivers to obey road signs, follow diversion markings, and stay updated on traffic information throughout the repair period.