After extensive maintenance that included the installation of new lamps, CCTV, and lane markings, the Third Mainland Bridge in Lagos, which had been partially closed to traffic for the previous seven weeks, has now reopened.
Oluwaseun Osiyemi, the Lagos Commissioner of Transportation, verified the reopening in a statement on Saturday, March 30.
Osiyemi said: “Dear Lagos Residents, We’re pleased to share that the Third Mainland Bridge will resume full operations on April 4th, 2024, following extensive repairs. We sincerely thank you for your patience and cooperation, and we look forward to even smoother travels ahead.”
Today being 4th April, 2024, Mr. Osiyemi posted an announcement on the reopening on his X account saying “We are pleased to announce the successful reopening of the Third Mainland Bridge after extensive maintenance works. Sincere appreciation to Mr. President, the Honorable Minister of Works, David Umahi, & our Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State for their invaluable support”.
Early today, Engineer David Umahi, the Minister of Works, delivered the to Engineer O.I. Kesha, the Lagos State Controller of Works. In a statement signed by the Director of Press and Public Relations, Ben Bem Goong, it was mentioned that the Lagos Third Mainland Bridge will reopen in the coming hours today.
According to Goong, “Senator David Nweze Umahi, Minister of Work in a phone call in the early hours of today, directed the Controller of Works, Lagos State, Engr Mrs. O. I. Kesha to open the Bridge to traffic in order to ease the stress which motorist have been subjected to, during the period of the first phase of Rehabilitation works on the Bridge”.
It was noted in the statement that the Minister of Work speaking to journalists soon after the directive said the successful completion of the first phase of the Rehabilitation works which was started and completed by the Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led administration is a clear indication that President Tinubu is working .”
The statement also quoted Engr. Umahi, urging all Nigerians to keep their trust in the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda while emphasizing that nothing worthwhile comes without difficulty. He further disclosed that the second phase of the bridge’s rehabilitation operations, addressing the underwater damage has already started.
He also disclosed intentions to begin comparable rehabilitation work on the Carter Bridge, stating that it will begin “in the coming weeks” because the project’s contractor has already been mobilized.