By Adeola Ogunrinde –
The Lagos State Government on Tuesday reopened the Ogudu-Ifako Bridge following the completion of repair works on 400 metres of its four expansion joints. A section of the bridge was closed to traffic on June 28 to enable construction.
The bridge, inbound Alapere, was initially expected to be ready in 100 days, but the project was completed in just 73 days. The first four phases, covering the inbound Alapere stretch, were completed between June 28 and August 16, while the fifth to eighth phases on the Oworonshoki axis began in August and were also completed ahead of schedule.
Special Adviser on Infrastructure, Mr. Olufemi Daramola, and Commissioner for Transportation, Mr. Seun Osiyemi, led an inspection team to certify the works. Daramola explained that although the project was scheduled for 101 days, it was delivered in 78 days due to stakeholder cooperation and contractor commitment.
He warned that defects on the expansion joints, if left unattended, could have compromised motorists’ safety and weakened the busy bridge. He added that the early completion was possible through combined efforts of contractors, security agencies, and the patience of Lagos residents.
“We undertook this repair to guarantee safety. Thankfully, with the cooperation of the people, we have been able to deliver ahead of schedule,” Daramola said.
He commended residents for their endurance during the partial closure, stressing that the bridge is now fully open to vehicular movement without restrictions. He also revealed that government engineers will next focus on the Maza-Maza area for similar works.
Commissioner Osiyemi expressed gratitude to Lagosians for their understanding and assured that the government will continue its infrastructure renewal drive. He urged residents to protect public facilities, noting they are taxpayer-funded and meant for long-term use.
He recalled that similar repairs had been carried out at Odo-Iyalaro and Apongbon bridges, with several other projects currently ongoing across the state.
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