Lagos residents are facing serious traffic disruptions today as the closure of the iconic Independence (McEwen) Bridge for repairs has left the city in gridlock. What was initially announced by the Lagos State Government as a closure from Wednesday, March 19, to Monday, May 26, 2025, has now created massive traffic jams across key parts of Lagos, with motorists struggling to find alternative routes.
The closure, which officially began today, has caused widespread chaos, especially in the city’s most traffic-prone areas. According to reports, traffic from alternative routes such as the Five Cowrie (Falomo) Bridge and the Lekki-Ikoyi Link Bridge has backed up all the way to the Third Mainland Bridge, exacerbating the already heavy congestion across the island.
The Independence Bridge, a major crossing connecting Lagos Island with the mainland, is a critical part of the city’s transport network, and its temporary closure for repairs is necessary. However, the immediate impact of this closure has been felt in a major way, with long delays and frustrated motorists across the city.
Victoria Island, Ikoyi, and Lekki have borne the brunt of the traffic fallout. Key streets in these areas have become choked with vehicles as motorists attempt to find alternative routes. Some of the worst-hit streets include Akin Adesola and Ozumba Mbadiwe Streets on Victoria Island, Alfred Rewane (Kingsway) Road, Awolowo Road, Alexander Avenue, Gerard Road, and Bourdillon Roads in Ikoyi. In the Lekki area, roads such as Admiralty Way, Freedom Way, and the Lekki-Epe Expressway have also experienced long traffic queues.
Motorists, many of whom are already familiar with the frequent traffic jams in Lagos, were not prepared for the scale of the congestion that ensued. As the closure of the Independence Bridge affects key roads leading to and from the island, residents have expressed frustration and disappointment over the situation.
Lagosians took to social media to vent their frustration over the traffic chaos. Prominent social media users, including Kate Amaka Henshaw, expressed their dissatisfaction with the situation. Henshaw tweeted, “Roads are blocked from Ikoyi, Victoria Island to Lekki/Epe expressway… What is happening?? It’s really bad!!” Her tweet quickly gained traction, with many other Lagosians chiming in with similar complaints about the gridlock.
Another Twitter user, Osi, shared his confusion about the situation, writing: “Why is the island blocked? Tinubu sneak enter Lagos for night when I no know. Very weird.” His comment was likely referring to rumors and suspicions about the Lagos State Government’s handling of the traffic crisis, which quickly spread across social media platforms.
Osi followed up with another tweet: “The govt has to reconsider this bridge closure. It’s utter chaos on the island today.” His remarks were echoed by many others, with people expressing disbelief at how the closure had been handled, especially given the ripple effects on traffic flow throughout the city.
Many motorists were caught off guard by the scale of the disruption. The closure of the Independence Bridge has forced drivers to rely on already congested alternative routes, leading to significant delays. The alternative routes, such as the Lekki-Ikoyi Link Bridge, which typically offer a reprieve from the island’s notorious traffic, have now been rendered nearly impassable due to the overflow of vehicles. Similarly, the Five Cowrie (Falomo) Bridge, which is another critical route, has experienced severe bottlenecks as drivers scramble to find ways to avoid the main bridge closure.
Reports from the scene suggest that drivers spent hours stuck in traffic, some even unable to complete their journeys within a reasonable time frame. In a city already known for its traffic woes, the sudden strain placed on the available roads has led to widespread frustration. Commuters have found themselves navigating uncomfortably crowded streets, with some businesses and residents reporting significant delays in their daily routines.
The Lagos State Government has acknowledged the challenges posed by the closure of the Independence Bridge, but it has also stressed that the repairs are necessary for the long-term improvement of the city’s infrastructure. The government has urged residents to be patient as the repairs are carried out and has assured that the project will eventually result in a safer and more efficient transportation network.
In an effort to manage the traffic situation, the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has been deployed to monitor the affected areas and help regulate traffic flow. However, given the extent of the gridlock, many have questioned whether the current infrastructure can handle the increased volume of vehicles diverted to other routes.
Lagosians have also raised concerns about the adequacy of the public transportation system in light of the traffic chaos. Many commuters rely on private vehicles to navigate the city, but the gridlock has made even these journeys unbearable. Public transportation options, including buses and water taxis, have been seen as alternatives, but they have also been affected by the traffic congestion, with long waits reported at bus stations and ferry terminals.
The traffic chaos experienced today is part of a larger, long-standing issue in Lagos. The city’s transportation infrastructure has struggled to keep up with the growing population and increasing number of vehicles on the road. The Lagos State Government has made efforts to improve road networks, but projects like the repair of the Independence Bridge highlight the challenges faced by the city in balancing development with the needs of the growing urban population.
As the repairs continue over the coming months, Lagos residents will have to adapt to the ongoing disruption. The government has promised to minimize the impact on commuters, but the reality is that for many Lagosians, these kinds of traffic bottlenecks have become a regular part of life. There are calls for more comprehensive planning and better management of traffic flow, particularly when major infrastructure projects are undertaken.
The closure of the Independence Bridge for repairs has brought the issue of Lagos’ traffic congestion into sharper focus. While the repairs are necessary, the city’s inability to cope with the additional strain on its roads has left many commuters frustrated and inconvenienced. The ongoing traffic jams on alternative routes, such as the Lekki-Ikoyi Link Bridge and the Five Cowrie Bridge, have highlighted the need for better traffic management and a more efficient public transportation system.
As the repair work continues, the Lagos State Government must ensure that the necessary measures are put in place to mitigate the impact on commuters. Whether through better communication, improved traffic regulation, or expanded public transport options, Lagos must find a way to address the gridlock that has become an all-too-familiar part of life for its residents. In the meantime, Lagosians will have to brace themselves for a challenging few months on the road.
