EKO NEWS
Lagos Gridlock: FG Reopens Independence Bridge Following Emergency Repairs
- Umahi explained that the independence bridge closure was necessitated by a structural failure involving the bridge’s approach slab.
- The minister attributed the urgency of the situation to a structural failure that posed significant risks to commuters.
- He admitted that the initial announcement of the closure did not follow proper procedures
The Minister of Works David Umahi has confirmed the reopening of the Independence Bridge following urgent repair works, Eko Hot Blog reports.
The closure, as explained by the minister during the reopening ceremony on Friday, was necessitated by a structural failure involving the bridge’s approach slab.
EDITOR’S PICK
- PHOTO STORY: Memorable Pictures From Late Pa. Otunba Bola Odebiyi’s Lying-in-state, Fidau Prayer
- Trade War Escalates: China Strikes Back with 34% Tariff on US Goods
- South Korean Removes President Yoon Over Martial Law Decree
The minister attributed the collapse to a flawed design that caused the slab to cave in. In his statement, Umahi highlighted that the initial construction of the approach slab as a cantilever was structurally unsound.
“It’s not supposed to be a cantilever. What we had was a free-standing approach slab, which is incorrect. Every approach slab must have at least one end fixed,” he explained.
Umahi admitted that the initial announcement of the closure did not follow proper procedures. The minister attributed the urgency of the situation to a structural failure that posed significant risks to commuters.
“The mistake that the controller, Olukorede Kesha, made was that she did not notify us. We also didn’t adequately inform Lagosians of the alterative routes,” Umahi said.
In response, Umahi announced plans to introduce a standardized national procedure for road and bridge closures.
“Going forward, no road or bridge in Nigeria will be closed without a clearly defined process. Controllers must submit drone surveys, state the nature of the technical problem and solution, propose alternative routes, and publish this information to the public,” he said.
The minister announced that the Independence Bridge will undergo a redesign to ensure its long-term stability. The new design will feature a one-span structure, effectively addressing the lateral head pressure on the abutment and mitigating unknown factors such as piling depth.
Umahi provided insights into the current design of Lagos bridges, including the Third Mainland, Carter, and Iddo bridges, which rely on skin-friction piling for stability. This method heavily depends on the surrounding sand for support.
“Any scouring or sand excavation puts the piles at risk,” he said, noting that ongoing studies will guide further reinforcement work,” he said.
Furthermore, the minister explained that the schedule for future construction projects would be strategically planned to accommodate the public’s convenience, with some work to be carried out during weekends or overnight hours.
To achieve this, the project will be divided into multiple stages, with each phase lasting approximately 21 days.
He added that collaboration with the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) will be integral to monitoring and managing traffic during this period.
FURTHER READING
- One Dead, Three Injured As Grenade Explodes In Lagos
- Shocking Lawsuit: TikTok Under Fire for Failing to Protect Minors from Exploitation!
- Ijoba Lande Unveils Shocking Experience Working with with Funke Akindele
“This is not just about engineering; it’s about communication, safety, and accountability. We owe it to Nigerians to do better,” the minister stated.
Click here to watch video of the week
Advertise or Publish a Story on EkoHot Blog:
Kindly contact us at ekohotblog@gmail.com. Breaking stories should be sent to the above email and substantiated with pictorial evidence.
Citizen journalists will receive a token as data incentive.
Call or Whatsapp: 0803 561 7233, 0703 414 5611
