Massive Traffic Changes Ahead: Lagos Govt Announces Marine Bridge Closure for Repairs – What You Need to Know

In an important update for all road users in Lagos, especially those who frequently pass through Apapa, the Lagos State Government has released a traffic advisory in preparation for major maintenance work on the Marine Bridge. The project is set to be carried out by the Federal Ministry of Works, and commuters should brace for traffic diversions and delays over the coming weeks.

The announcement was made official via a press statement signed by the Lagos State Commissioner for Transportation, Oluwaseun Osiyemi, on Friday morning.

“The partial closure of the bridge is essential to facilitate repairs on the bridge’s underlying bearings, overseen by the Office of the Federal Controller, Lagos,” the statement explained.

This means that parts of the Marine Bridge will be temporarily shut down—not completely closed, but enough to significantly affect traffic flow. The repair work will commence on Sunday, May 18, 2025, and is expected to be completed by Sunday, June 8, 2025, giving us a repair window of three full weeks.

To help ease the burden on road users and reduce the level of traffic congestion during the repair period, the Lagos State Government has designed the project to be executed in two separate phases. Here’s how each phase will work and what it means for motorists:

Phase One: May 18 – June 1, 2025

The first part of the maintenance operation will focus on the foot of the Marine Bridge along Lawani Oguntayo Road for vehicles inbound to Apapa and Costain. This means that one side of the bridge where vehicles normally drive into Apapa will be affected.

So, if you are driving from Ijora Oloopa heading to Apapa, you won’t be able to follow your usual route. Instead, you are advised to:

“Take the Ijora Causeway access ramp near Omni Retail Company to continue their journey,” the Commissioner said.

In simpler terms, find the Ijora Causeway ramp near the Omni Retail Company (a well-known landmark in the area), and use that as your alternative route to get into Apapa. There will be clear signs and road officers on the ground to help guide vehicles during this phase.

Phase Two: June 2 – June 8, 2025

Once the first phase is completed, the second phase of the project will begin almost immediately. This time, the repair work will shift focus to the Ijora Badia section and the Lilypond Access Ramp inbound Apapa.

During this period, if you’re driving:

• From Costain to Apapa: You will be diverted into a contraflow. That means you'll be temporarily allowed to drive against the usual direction on the opposite lane—specifically, on the lane usually used by drivers heading into Costain.

• From Ijora Olopa to Apapa: You will also need to use an alternative route. Just like in Phase One, you should:

“Use the Ijora Causeway access ramp by Omni Retail Company into Lilypond Access Road,” the statement advises.

This clearly shows that the Ijora Causeway ramp will serve as a critical route for both phases of the project. If you’re a regular commuter in this area, familiarize yourself with this alternative road now to avoid stress when the work begins.

Bridge to Reopen on June 9, 2025

Good news is that this closure is not permanent. According to the Commissioner for Transportation:

“The Marine Bridge will fully reopen to traffic on Monday, June 9, 2025.”

This means that normal traffic will resume the very next day after the maintenance is completed. The Lagos State Government assures all residents and commuters that efforts will be made to keep things orderly during the closure.

“The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) will monitor and guide vehicular movement along the corridor to minimize inconveniences,” the Commissioner added.

Advice to Motorists: Patience is Key

The government is strongly appealing to all road users to exercise maximum patience, caution, and cooperation throughout the maintenance period. While the diversions might cause delays or require longer travel times, these repairs are necessary for the long-term safety and functionality of the bridge.

“Motorists are urged to remain patient and comply with the traffic management plan during the maintenance period to ensure safe and orderly travel,” the Commissioner emphasized.

Final Note for NaijaRush Readers

If you live in or commute through Apapa, Costain, or anywhere near Marine Bridge, take note of these dates and changes. Plan your daily travel in advance, leave early if possible, and consider alternative routes to avoid getting stuck in traffic.

This temporary inconvenience is all in the name of better infrastructure and safer roads for everyone in Lagos. We at NaijaRush will continue to keep you updated on developments around this project.

Stay safe, drive carefully, and be patient—Lagos is working!