FG and Lagos kick-start N21 billion facelift for Third Mainland Bridge

Infostride News, in collaboration with the Lagos State government, kicked off the extensive rehabilitation project for the Third Mainland Bridge, with an estimated value of N21.074 billion. The official launch took place in Lagos on a Wednesday and was graced by the presence of the Federal Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, and the Deputy Governor of Lagos, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat.

The rehabilitation plan outlined by the Minister of Works included a budget allocation for the project, necessitated by an expanded scope of work. This expansion involved the complete replacement of the bridge deck’s asphalt to a standard two inches, aimed at enhancing the smoothness and safety of motoring on the bridge. Umahi highlighted that previous rehabilitation efforts fell short in addressing all concerns for the total restoration of the bridge’s integrity, thus justifying the need for an expanded scope of repairs.

In his statement, Umahi emphasized the significance of this initiative in line with the “renewed hope agenda” of President Ahmed Bola Tinubu. The overarching goal is the total repositioning of road and bridge infrastructure in Nigeria to alleviate the long-standing challenges faced by road users due to deteriorating infrastructure.

Addressing additional safety concerns, Mr. Umahi mentioned that the Lagos State government would address potential suicide attempts on the bridge by installing spikes on the guard railing.

Providing a timeline for the rehabilitation efforts, Umahi revealed that the repair work on the four ramps of the Adekunle/Adeniji section of the bridge would be completed by December 13. Following this, the maintenance of the main carriageways is scheduled to commence in January 2024.

He clarified that the ongoing works primarily focus on the superstructure elements of the bridge. Simultaneously, the ministry is engaged in investigations and design processes for the piles, pile caps, piers, and the deflected deck slab. The subsequent contract for the restoration of the substructure elements will be awarded at a later date.

Following the flag-off of the Third Mainland Bridge rehabilitation, Umahi and Hamzat visited the starting point of the proposed Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway. The project, set to be executed through a Public-Private Partnership arrangement, will commence at Victoria Island near Eko Atlantic City.

Umahi underscored the strategic importance of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, emphasizing its potential to enhance national interconnectivity. He noted that the accompanying infrastructure along the project alignment would contribute to tourism promotion, job creation, and overall interconnectivity.

Deputy Governor Hamzat assured that the Right of Way (RoW) for the project had been successfully recovered by the state government. He also appealed to Lagos residents to refrain from building or purchasing land along the project alignment, citing potential issues arising from physical planning infractions.

Accompanying Umahi were key figures such as Mr. Adedamola Kuti, the Director of Highways Construction and Rehabilitation, Mr. Omotayo Awosanya, the Director of Highways, Bridges, and Designs, and Mrs. Olukorede Kesha, the Federal Controller of Works in Lagos State, among others. The Deputy Governor’s entourage included Mr. Olufemi Daramola, the Permanent Secretary of the Office of Infrastructure, and other top directors from the Lagos State Ministry of Works and Infrastructure.