Julius Berger Nigeria has powered the streetlights on the 1.6-kilometre-long Second Niger Bridge to test its illumination.

Contrary to the news making the round that the project would be ready by 2024, the Federal Government has said that the Second Niger Bridge will be opened to traffic for travellers during the yuletide.

In an interview with newsmen, Acting Controller of Works in Anambra, Seyi Martins, said that the first phase of the Second Niger Bridge had reached 95 per cent completion.

Second Niger Bridge Streetlights
Second Niger Bridge Streetlights

“The first phase of the project, which was the bridge itself, is substantially completed.

“The bridge project is 95 per cent complete and it is expected to be ready by December 2022.

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“The steel guard rails are complete, the roads are set for vehicle traffic; the toll plaza area is almost completed, and what is left is the installation of toll booth canopies,” he said.

Second Niger Bridge side view
Second Niger Bridge side view

He further revealed that :

“The second phase of the project is yet to commence, but the government has deemed it fit that upon completion of the first phase it will be open to traffic.

“At the Onitsha end, there is an interchange at Obosi along the Onitsha – Owerri highway where you can access the bridge.

“On the Asaba end, there is a link road we are constructing to enable travellers to access the bridge from Benin-Onitsha road,” he said.

Second Niger Bridge Streetlights lit up at night
Second Niger Bridge Streetlights lit up at night