Lagos–Ibadan Expressway partially closed for bridge repairs

By Goli Innocent

The Federal Government has announced a six-week partial closure of the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway to carry out urgent repairs on three critical bridges along the busy corridor.

The repairs, which will affect sections of Kara Bridge, Magboro Bridge and Arepo–Punch Bridge, are aimed at fixing failed expansion joints that have become safety hazards for motorists.

Speaking with journalists at Kara Bridge on Thursday, the Ogun State Federal Controller of Works, Michael Komolafe, said the decision followed growing complaints from road users over accidents, traffic bottlenecks and deteriorating road conditions.

He explained that earlier repair works on the Lagos-bound section of Kara Bridge were temporarily suspended to ease traffic congestion, but worsening conditions on the bridges made it necessary for construction to resume.

“We apologise to motorists for the inconvenience this will cause,” Komolafe said. “But these repairs are critical. The expansion joints have failed and now pose serious risks to lives and property.”

According to him, the Minister of Works, David Umahi, approved the intervention after inspections revealed that the damaged joints were contributing to crashes and structural stress on the bridges.

Komolafe disclosed that repair work has already been completed on half of the Lagos-bound sections of Magboro and Arepo–Punch bridges, while attention will now shift to the remaining sections, particularly on the Ibadan-bound lanes.

The General Manager of CBC Construction Company, Andy Duan, confirmed that the rehabilitation would last six weeks, noting that equipment mobilisation would be completed over the weekend, with full work beginning on Monday.

“At Kara Bridge, we have completed one half already. The other half is in very bad condition and needs urgent attention,” Duan said.

He added that each bridge would be handled in phases, with work expected to last about one week per bridge on the Ibadan-bound side.

To minimise disruption, Duan said safety measures including barriers, warning signs, traffic lights and reflective signals would be installed before diversions begin.

Meanwhile, the Lagos State Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps, Kehinde Hamzat, assured motorists that traffic control measures have been strengthened to manage flow during the repair period.

He warned road users against driving against traffic, stressing that offenders would be penalised.

“These repairs are necessary,” Hamzat said. “The failed expansion joints have created deep ditches on the road, especially around Kara Bridge, leading to crashes. Motorists must cooperate so the work can be completed safely and on time.”

Authorities urged drivers to exercise patience, obey traffic rules and plan their journeys ahead, assuring that the temporary disruption would lead to safer and smoother travel once the repairs are completed.