By Lukman Olabiyi
In Lagos, residents are abuzz with anticipation as they eagerly await the completion of the Opebi-Mende-Ojota bridge. The is poised to alleviate the chronic traffic congestion that has long plagued the area, promising smoother traffic flow and significantly reduced travel times.
The bridge, spanning a total length of 3.89 kilometers and consisting of a 2,829-meter road, a 276-meter Deck-on-Pile Bridge, and 474-meter Mechanically Stabilised Earth Wall approach sections, is being constructed by Julius Berger.
It will feature provisions for cycling and ample pedestrian walkways, making it a comprehensive solution for various modes of transportation.
Originally conceived over 20 years ago, the construction of this iconic bridge and its approach roads was finally initiated by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on January 26, 2022.
Seen as a crucial link, the project is expected to ease the notorious traffic jams, particularly around Ikeja and its environs.
Governor Sanwo-Olu announced in December 2023 that the Opebi-Mende-Ojota bridge, along with its connecting arterial roads, would be ready by the second quarter of 2024.
However, despite the project being underway for over 20 months, work is still ongoing, leading to growing impatience among the residents.
Many Lagosians view the bridge as essential to combating gridlock and have called on the government to press contractors to expedite the work.
Edith Osunbo, a Ketu resident working in the Opebi area, expressed her frustration over prolonged travel times. “I relocated from Ikorodu to Ketu to be closer to work, paying exorbitant rent. Yet, a journey that should take 20 minutes often takes over an hour due to traffic. If the bridge were completed, things would be different. It feels like the government and contractors are playing a game,” she lamented.
Etim Johnson, a Mende resident, is also eagerly awaiting the project’s completion. He believes it will not only reduce travel time but also open up numerous economic opportunities.
Sola, a vulcanizer on Opebi road, shares this sentiment, hoping the project will boost his business. However, he too expressed disappointment over the delays.
In response to these concerns, the Lagos State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to completing all ongoing road and bridge projects.
This was emphasized during a recent tour of some projects by Olufemi Daramola, Sanwo-Olu’s Special Adviser on Infrastructure, along with Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso.
Omotoso said: “Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu is committed to the project. Despite the rain, contractors are working hard to meet deadlines.”
Daramola acknowledged weather-related delays but assured that contractors are diligently working towards completion by the end of the year.