Road traffic in Lagos is expected to improve tremendously after the federal government announced the re-opening of the most important bridge in the city today.
The Minister of Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola, had announced the closure of the bridge on July 24, 2020 for repair works to be carried out on it but the government on Saturday reopened the bridge which spans over 11.8km.
While the closure/partial closure lasted, Lagosians had to make do with the two other bridges (Eko and Carter bridges) that linked the Mainland and island of the city.
The reopening of the bridge was contained in a statement on Saturday signed the Director, Press and Public Relations, Federal Ministry of Works and Housing, Boade Akinola.
According to the statement, “The Honourable Minister of Works and Housing, Mr Babatunde Raji Fashola, SAN has today announced in Abuja the final opening to traffic of the Third Mainland Bridge in Lagos from Saturday, February 27, 2021 at midday.
“This brings to final completion the rehabilitation and maintenance works which necessitated the partial closure of the Bridge since July 24, 2020.
“Mr. Fashola who gave the directives after reviewing the report from the Director Bridges and Design on the update of the rehabilitation works, thanked Lagosians for their patience and understanding while the rehabilitation work was going on.
“In view of this the Honourable Minister said, “there was no longer any need for us to close the bridge to traffic”.”
In a related development, Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, tweeted, “Dear Lagosians, The Third Mainland Bridge maintenance and rehabilitation is completed, and is now fully accessible to all.
“Thank you for your patience and kind understanding during the period of its closure. Please adhere strictly to traffic laws while commuting.”
