Ijora-Marine Bridge to Be Temporarily Closed for 21 Days — FG Begins Urgent Repairs in Lagos

 

The Federal Government has officially declared that the Ijora-Marine Bridge in Lagos State will be temporarily closed for crucial repair works. This closure, which will begin at exactly 7:00 a.m. on Sunday, May 18, is expected to last for a total of 21 days, during which significant maintenance and rehabilitation activities will be carried out.

This announcement was made by the Federal Controller of Works in Lagos, Mrs. Olukorede Kesha, through a formal statement issued on Tuesday, May 13. According to her, the decision to shut down the bridge—whether fully or partially depending on the section—is not one the government is taking lightly, but one that has become absolutely necessary for safety and structural improvement.

Mrs. Kesha explained that during the 21-day closure period, some parts of the bridge will be entirely closed off to all forms of traffic, while other areas will only be partially closed, allowing limited movement. This strategic closure will allow engineers and road maintenance experts to carry out intensive and essential repair work.

She elaborated further on the kind of repairs that would be done, stating that the bridge deck will be lifted to replace the worn-out bearings. These bearings are critical components that help support and balance the bridge structure. In addition to that, other vital maintenance work will be executed to ensure the bridge remains safe, stable, and more comfortable for both motorists and pedestrians in the long term.

Speaking on the necessity of this project, Kesha emphasized:

“We understand the inconvenience this may cause, but this is a necessary step to keep the bridge in good condition and ensure the safety of all road users.”

To help ease the expected pressure on traffic in and around the Ijora-Marine Bridge area, the Federal Government has already made traffic diversion plans. According to Mrs. Kesha, well-trained traffic officers and management personnel will be stationed on ground throughout the duration of the closure. Their job will be to guide motorists and ensure that traffic flows as smoothly as possible, despite the ongoing repairs.

She further made a heartfelt appeal to all residents, road users, commuters, and business owners in the area to make necessary adjustments in their daily routines. She urged everyone to plan their movements ahead of time and to cooperate fully with both the workers and the traffic officials during this critical maintenance period.

Kesha also reassured the public of the safety measures being put in place, saying:

“Safety signs and traffic management tools will be put in place to minimise disruption.

“We sincerely apologise for the inconvenience and thank members of the public for their patience,” she added.

As always, NaijaRush will continue to keep you updated with developments on this situation and provide any new traffic advisory or changes as they arise. For now, we encourage all Lagos residents, especially those who use the Ijora-Marine Bridge regularly, to stay informed, stay safe, and follow all official instructions during this period.