By Ajibola Olaide, JKNewsMedia Reporter
TRAFFIC TO Apapa rerouted as engineers prepare to lift deck and replace 50 failing bridge bearings.
Ijora Bridge in Lagos will shut completely from 27 April as federal engineers embark on a critical final-phase restoration of the ageing structure linking Ijora Causeway to Apapa — home to Nigeria’s busiest seaports.
The Federal Controller of Works in Lagos, Olukorede Kesha, confirmed during a site inspection on Monday that the closure was imperative to replace approximately 50 defective bearings under the bridge deck.
The Ministry of Works, under the directive of Minister David Umahi, has mandated full public awareness ahead of any bridge closure. Kesha reaffirmed that safety remains the driving force behind the decision.
“This is for the public’s own good,” she said. “With their cooperation, we can finish this work in time and restore the bridge to a much safer condition.”
The steel-and-rubber components, which absorb pressure and movement, have significantly deteriorated, prompting public concern over intense vibrations felt by motorists.
“This bridge has been awarded in phases over time,” Kesha said. “We’re now at the final stage, which involves lifting the entire bridge deck to change the faulty bearings beneath.”
According to her, the Ijora Bridge has not undergone any major structural intervention since it was constructed decades ago.
The planned engineering effort marks its first substantial rehabilitation, aimed at securing the heavily trafficked route leading directly into Apapa’s Tincan and Apapa ports.
Diversions and Traffic Plans
While acknowledging the inevitable traffic disruption, Kesha said detailed diversion plans have been developed.
Motorists heading from Ijora will be redirected through the Seven Up Roundabout, reconnecting to Apapa, while heavy-duty vehicles will follow a separate route via Costain and Iganmu.
“To manage the expected gridlock, we’ve carefully studied alternate routes,” she said. “We do not anticipate major issues as long as motorists follow the guidance.”
Public safety, not collapse risk, behind the closure
Kesha addressed public fears, clarifying that the bridge is not at risk of immediate collapse but requires urgent intervention. “It won’t collapse,” she stressed.
“But it definitely needs help. If you drive on the bridge now, you will feel the vibrations — the bearings underneath have weakened significantly.”
The first phase of the work, which involves deck lifting and bearing replacement, necessitates a complete shutdown of the bridge.
However, subsequent work — such as removing and replacing asphalt — may occur in stages, possibly on Sundays, to limit disruption.
