Phase 2 rehabilitation of third mainland bridge in Nigeria 22% complete

Phase 2 rehabilitation of the third mainland bridge in Nigeria is 22% complete. According to Mr Olukayode Popoola, the Federal Controller of Works Lagos, the works are progressing steadily. “Work on the surface of the bridge is over 70% complete, but the entire project is 22% complete with the inclusion of construction underneath,” he said.

“On the Island-bound lane where we are working now, the contractor is ready to cast another three expansion joints this weekend, but because of the festive period, we have a lot of vehicles on the road. We were advised to leave it till next week maybe during the public holiday where we will do the total closure, then, we will be able to cast the three expansion joints,” affirmed Mr. Popoola.

He further added that efforts were on to ensure the contractor completed the ongoing replacement of expansion joints on the top of the bridge before the February 22nd, 2021 delivery date. “Work could continue under the bridge even after it is reopened to traffic,” he said.

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Closure of the bridge

According to Mr. Popoola the Federal Government has had to postpone the closure of the bridge because it is sensitive to the needs of citizens preparing for the festive season with increased human and vehicular traffic. Nevertheless, he said that remarkable progress had been made and the next total closure was shifted till the holiday period to reduce hardship on road users.

“When we say 22% completion, we are not talking of only expansion joints, there are other works that are going on under the bridge included. If we are talking of only the surface, it has achieved more than 70% completion. The contractor is working under the bridge on the abutment, the Pile Caps and Piers. The Abutment is where the bridge either starts or ends, where the bridge abuts all the load,” he said.