Third Mainland Bridge closure: FG, LASG give diversion phases and alternative routes

The Federal Government and Lagos State Government have on Tuesday given diversion plans and alternative routes for motorists ahead of the six months partial closure of Third Mainland Bridge.

The bridge would be partially closed for maintenance work for six months starting from Friday, 24th July to 24th January 2021.

FG and LASG appealed to motorists and Lagos residents to cooperate with authorities and appropriate agencies during the reconstructions.

Speaking at a press conference jointly addressed by the Federal Controller of Works in Lagos, Engr. Olukayode Popoola; Lagos State Commissioner for Transportation, Dr. Frederic Oladeinde and Special Adviser to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Works, Engr. Aramide Adeyoye, today at Alausa, Ikeja, assured Lagosians that all important measures would be organised to reduce serious traffic during partial bridge closure.

Engr. Popoola said there would be diversion of traffic in two phases during the partial closure of the bridge between Friday 24th July, 2020 and 24th January, 2021.

He said the Phase One of the diversion, which will last for three months for reconstruction of the Oworonsoki bound lane of the Third Mainland Bridge, would be for morning traffic from 12:00am to 1:00pm from Oworonshoki to Lagos Island on the Lagos Island bound lane, while the afternoon traffic from 1:00pm to 12:00am would be from Lagos Island to Oworonsoki on the Lagos Island bound lane.

Engr. Popoola said the Phase Two of the diversion, which would last also for three months for repairs of the Lagos Island bound lane of the Third Mainland Bridge, would be for morning traffic from 12:00am to 1:00pm from Oworonsoki to Lagos Island on the Oworonsoki bound lane, while the afternoon traffic from 1:00pm to 12:00am would be from Lagos Island to Oworonsoki on the Oworonsoki bound lane.

Speaking on the inconveniences the maintenance of the bridge might cause motorists, the Federal Controller of Works said appropriate agencies for traffic control will direct and help traffic movement in the affected areas and alternative routes.

“Motorists are advised to also ply these alternative routes: First, from Carter Bridge through Iddo through Oyingbo to join Adekunle ramp inward Oworonsoki. Secondly, from Ijora Olopa through Western Avenue to Ikorodu Road.”

The Commissioner for Transportation, Dr. Oladeinde said priority will be given to those driving from Mainland to the Island in morning and afternoon to use the Third Mainland while those driving against traffic will use the alternative routes.

Dr. Oladeinde assured motorists that Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) will work with Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) in all the alternative routes to ensure that motorists have a smooth journey during the partial closure of the bridge.

The commissioner while explaining the need for reduction of vehicles on the road during the partial closure of the bridge advised that those who don’t have any genuine reason to be on the road to stay at home.

He said there would be increase in number of public vehicles for people to leave there vehicles at home to make the road less congested, adding that the public vehicles would be available and affordable for road users.

Oladeinde said: “If you don’t have to travel, I will advice that you stay at home so that we can minimise the number of vehicles on the road. If you can work at home, please do. But if you can’t, we will ensure will be on the road for you to get to your destination as quickly as possible,”

He also advised people of Lagos State to use alternative transport such as ferries. He said there will be increase in number of fleets by the Lagos Ferry Services in the morning for people from Ikorodu and Mile 2 as alternative transportation.

Also speaking, Engr. Adeyoye appreciated the Federal Government for bringing the repair of Third Mainland Bridge on board.

She said Lagos State Government has began necessary preparatory works on all the alternative routes in the state to make them motorable for the commuters.

Adeyoye said the state will do its best within two works to work on all the roads that may likely cause gridlocks to be free of potholes. She also warned trucks and vehicles that are not road worthy or serviceable to stay away from the state roads.