Third Mainland Bridge Partial Closure: LASG Inspects Status Of Alternative Routes

3 October, 2020

The Lagos State Commissioner for Transportation, Dr. Frederic Oladeinde, embarked on a tour of alternative routes provided by the government due to the partial closure of the Third Mainland Bridge for repairs, assuring that the State Government would do all within its capacity to ensure safer roads and ease of movement for all road users.

Speaking to news correspondents during the inspection exercise, the Commissioner stated that the tour was part of activities marking his birthday celebrations, stressing that he is appreciative to God for his kindness as well as using him to render good services to humanity towards realising Governor Sanwo-Olu’s vision for an efficient Multimodal Transport System in the State.

Oladeinde, who expressed satisfaction on the status of some of the alternative routes inspected, such as Ikorodu Road, Fadeyi, Jibowu, Yaba, Oyingbo, Iddo and Carter (Idumota) Bridge inward Lagos Island, emphasised that the State Government has kept those roads in good shape to reduce the impact of the bridge closure on motorists to the barest minimum.

He noted that despite heavy torrential rains being experienced across the State, most of the alternative routes are still in good condition, saying that “Their present status is a confirmation that the rehabilitation works carried out by the State Government on the alternative routes was impactful”.

According to him, “The administration of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu had realised from inception that efficient traffic management and transportation are crucial to achieving sustainable economic growth and infrastructural development. This underscores the reason the State Government has continued to invest in providing transport infrastructure across the State”.

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He disclosed further that the State Government has completed rehabilitation works on Oyingbo/Iddo Terminal, as part of efforts to ensure that commercial motorists get an appropriate place to park their vehicles rather than on the road, which impedes the free flow of traffic in the axis.

He, however, appealed to residents of the State to endure the inconveniences occasioned by the Third Mainland Bridge repair works, promising that the State Government would work tirelessly to ensure ease of movement and safety of commuters as they go about their businesses and economic activities in Lagos.

While noting that the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) and other traffic enforcement Agencies would continue to ensure compliance with traffic regulations with a prompt response to impediments and breakdown of vehicles, the Commissioner stressed that the rehabilitation works on the Bridge is steadily progressing and that the January 2021 deadline for the completion of the project is sacrosanct.

Oladehinde assured that his Ministry would continue to collaborate with the Ministry of Works and Infrastructure and other relevant Government Agencies to ensure that the alternative routes are always in good condition and motorable throughout the duration of the rehabilitation works and beyond.

In his remarks, Special Adviser to the State Government on Transportation, Mr. Oluwatoyin Fayinka stated that the Ministry, through LASTMA and other traffic enforcement agencies, would continue to monitor traffic situation on all the alternative routes and give regular traffic advisory to help motorists navigate their way without hindrances.

Others on the entourage of the Commissioner during the inspection tour included the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Mr. Oluseyi Whenu and Director of Transport Operations in the State, Engineer Abdul Afeez Toriola, among others.