The Lagos State Government has announced a traffic diversion plan to allow for emergency repairs on the Independence Bridge (also known as the Mekwen Bridge), which spans the route from Marina to CMS. The repairs will begin on Wednesday, March 19, and are scheduled to last until Monday, May 26, 2025. The closure is expected to significantly affect traffic flow in the area, and drivers have been advised to plan their routes accordingly.
The Lagos State Ministry of Transportation, in its official release, highlighted several important changes to traffic patterns in the affected areas.
1. Full Closure of Key Routes: The National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) route through Bonny Camp Bridge to the Independence Bridge will be fully closed to traffic during the repair period.
2. Service Lane Closure: Additionally, the service lane from Bonny Camp Underpass Bridge (inbound Independence Bridge) will also be closed.
3. Open Lane for Drivers: An alternative route will remain open for drivers heading from Ahmadu Bello Way to Ozumba Mbadiwe, ensuring some continuity of traffic movement.
Alternative Routes to Ease Traffic
To mitigate the disruptions and provide alternate pathways for motorists, the state government has outlined several diversion routes. These are:
– To Ring Road: Drivers heading toward Ring Road should take the following route: Ozumba Mbadiwe → Akin Adesola → Falomo Roundabout → Obafemi Awolowo Road → Ring Road.
– To 3rd Mainland Bridge: Those planning to use the 3rd Mainland Bridge can divert through Ozumba Mbadiwe → Akin Adesola → Alfred Rewane → Osborne → Ring Road.
– *To Inner Marina/CMS*: Motorists heading toward Inner Marina or CMS can use Ozumba Mbadiwe → Akin Adesola → Falomo Roundabout → Obafemi Awolowo Road → J.K. Randle/King George V Road.
– From Inner Marina/CMS to Ahmadu Bello Way: There will be full access from Inner Marina or CMS to Ahmadu Bello Way for drivers who wish to continue in that direction.
The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) will be stationed along the affected routes to help manage the traffic flow and reduce the chances of congestion. In addition, the traffic officers will be available to guide drivers through the diversion routes and ensure that traffic moves as smoothly as possible.
The closure is part of a wider effort by the Federal Ministry of Works to undertake critical rehabilitation works on the Independence Bridge, a key infrastructure that connects different parts of Lagos. According to the Lagos State Commissioner for Transportation, Mr. Oluwaseun Osiyemi, the repairs are crucial for ensuring the long-term safety and functionality of the bridge.
He further highlighted that this repair project is in response to the ongoing need for infrastructure improvement in Lagos, which, with its growing population and increasing number of vehicles on the road, demands continuous upkeep. The closure, while inconvenient, is deemed necessary to prevent further deterioration and potential safety risks associated with the bridge.
In light of the road closures and diversions, the Lagos State Government has urged all motorists to plan their journeys ahead of time, especially those who may be unfamiliar with the diversion routes. Authorities have also advised that drivers exercise patience, as the diversion will result in higher-than-usual traffic volumes in the surrounding areas.
The state government has taken these steps in collaboration with federal authorities to improve transportation infrastructure and reduce the risks associated with bridge deterioration. However, the authorities are conscious of the inconvenience the diversion will cause to Lagos residents and are asking for cooperation throughout the repair period.
While the immediate effect of the bridge closure and traffic diversions will be felt by commuters, the long-term benefits are expected to far outweigh the temporary inconveniences. Once completed, the repairs will ensure that the Independence Bridge remains structurally sound and can safely handle the high volume of traffic that passes through it on a daily basis.
The Independence Bridge is a vital piece of infrastructure in Lagos, especially for those commuting between the central business district and other parts of the city. Ensuring its continued functionality will be a significant step forward in supporting the city’s rapid urbanization and growth.
In addition to the traffic management plans, the state government is launching a public awareness campaign to ensure that Lagos residents are fully informed about the diversion plans. Information about the diversion routes and closures will be spread through various channels, including social media, radio broadcasts, and signage on the roads leading to the affected areas.
Public transport services operating within the vicinity of the closure area are also expected to adjust their routes to accommodate the changes. The Ministry of Transportation has promised to release further details on how buses and other public transport vehicles will be rerouted during this period.
Lagos, Nigeria’s commercial capital, has long struggled with traffic congestion, and repair projects like this one are seen as essential for improving the flow of traffic and ensuring the safety of the public. The Lagos State Government has made significant strides in improving the city’s transportation infrastructure over the years, but challenges remain.
Projects like the rehabilitation of the Independence Bridge are part of the ongoing effort to address these challenges and support the city’s infrastructure development. With the necessary repairs now underway, residents are hopeful that Lagos will continue its transformation into a more modern and well-functioning metropolis.
The Lagos State Government urges everyone to remain patient, follow the diversions, and work together to minimize the impact of this essential repair work.
