The Federal Government has directed the immediate closure of the Ijora-Olopa Bridge along Ijora Olopa Road, Lagos following the failure of section of the bridge due to theft.
In a statement on Wednesday by Hakeem Bello, spokesperson to Babatunde Fashola, minister of works and housing, the shut down order was due to “the discovery that some miscreants have tampered with the major reinforcement elements of the deck from underneath.
Bello said that this act led to the failure of some section of the structure.
He said that roads leading directly to the Bridge such as Costain inward Eko Bridge and Carter Bridge descent inward Ijora Oloye have, as a result, been closed to traffic.
Bello said the federal government was working with the state to ensure motorists freely access alternative routes.
The statement read in part, “The Federal Controller of Works in Lagos has also issued the following Traffic Advisory to ensure that motorists and other members of the commuting public are able to use alternative routes.
“From Eko Bridge motorists should take IGANMU/ SIFAX to Ijora-Oloye or Apapa
“From Iddo to Ijora-Oloye/Apapa; traffic will be diverted at the intersection underpass at Ijora Olopa on contraflow, and reconnected at the U-Turn to Ijora-Oloye or Apapa.
“It would be recalled that the Hon. Minister of Works and Housing has on several occasions asked illegal squatters occupying Lagos under-bridges to quit as fire incidents and other illegal activities underneath such bridges often result in extensive damage of the vital infrastructure constructed with the nation’s scarce resources.”
Ifunanya Ikueze is an Engineer, Safety Professional, Writer, Investor, Entrepreneur and Educator.
