The Federal Government has announced plans to demolish the damaged sections of the Iddo Bridge in Lagos next week as part of preparations for its reconstruction.
The Minister of Works, Mr. David Umahi, disclosed this during an inspection of the bridge, noting that three spans on each carriageway have suffered severe damage, bringing the total number of affected sections to six.
He explained that traffic management measures will be put in place, with vehicles diverted to one carriageway while demolition work is carried out on the other.
According to the minister, the rehabilitation project is estimated to cost about fifteen billion naira and is scheduled for completion by June this year.
Speaking on the Carter Bridge, Mr. Umahi assured commuters of its safety, stating that remedial works on the pile caps, skirtings, and road surface have largely been completed to ensure continued motorability.
He reiterated the Federal Government’s plan to completely replace the Carter Bridge within the next three years to prevent future structural failures.
The minister added that the government is closely monitoring the bridge and will impose restrictions on heavy-duty trucks or shut it down entirely if safety conditions worsen.
Reporting by Abiola Peters/Dolapo Sonuga