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Lagos–Ibadan Expressway partially closed for six weeks over bridge repairs
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FG to fix failing expansion joints on Kara, Magboro, Arepo-Punch bridges
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FRSC urges motorists to obey traffic rules during construction period
The Federal Government has announced a six-week partial closure of the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway to carry out urgent repair works on critical bridge expansion joints along the route.
The closure, announced through the Federal Ministry of Works, is to enable rehabilitation of the Kara Bridge, Magboro Bridge, and Arepo–Punch Bridge.
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The ministry said the decision followed growing complaints from motorists over severe traffic congestion and safety concerns linked to deteriorating expansion joints, particularly on the Lagos-bound section of Kara Bridge.
Speaking to journalists at the Kara Bridge on Thursday, the Ogun State Federal Controller of Works, Michael Komolafe, apologised to road users for the inconvenience and assured them that traffic management measures would be strengthened to minimise disruption.
Komolafe explained that the condition of the expansion joints had become a major safety risk and had contributed to several traffic accidents along the corridor.
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He said the Minister of Works, David Umahi, approved the immediate repairs to prevent further deterioration and ensure the safety of motorists.
Providing details of the work, the General Manager of CBC Construction Company, Andy Duan, said repairs on the Lagos-bound sections of Magboro and Arepo–Punch bridges had been completed, while work would now shift to the Ibadan-bound sections.
He added that repairs on Kara Bridge were ongoing, with half of the Lagos-bound section already completed.
According to Duan, construction equipment would be fully mobilised over the weekend, with intensive work scheduled to begin on Monday.
He said the expansion joints at Kara Bridge were in extremely poor condition and had been responsible for multiple accidents, adding that repairs would be carried out in phases, with each bridge section expected to be completed within one week.
Duan also assured motorists that safety measures, including barriers, warning signs, and lighting, would be installed throughout the construction period.
Meanwhile, the Lagos State Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps, Kehinde Hamzat, appealed to motorists to remain patient and comply with traffic regulations during the repair works.
Hamzat warned against driving against traffic, stressing that offenders would be arrested and sanctioned.
He said the repairs were necessary to eliminate dangerous road depressions caused by failed expansion joints, especially around Kara Bridge, where accidents had been frequent.