Kara Bridge Repairs Cause Gridlock On Lagos-Ibadan Expressway

Traffic congestion intensified along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway on Tuesday following the commencement of repair works on the Kara Bridge.

The repairs, which are focused on damaged expansion joints on the bridge, have resulted in a partial closure of the carriageway, causing severe traffic buildup from the 7Up/Toll Gate junction to the Kara Bridge area.

Motorists travelling along the route reportedly spent several hours in traffic, with vehicles moving slowly through the restricted section as traffic management officials worked to ease the congestion.

The Federal Ministry of Works commenced the rehabilitation after concerns were raised over the condition of the bridge’s expansion joints.

Ahead of the exercise, the Lagos State Government had advised motorists to plan their journeys and expect delays during the two-week repair period.

In a travel advisory signed by the Commissioner for Transportation, Oluwaseun Osiyemi, the government explained that one half of the affected section would be closed at a time, while motorists would share the remaining lane interchangeably.

The government appealed to motorists to remain patient and cooperate with traffic management personnel to ensure that the repairs are completed within the scheduled period.

The Lagos-Ibadan Expressway is a major transport corridor connecting Lagos with other parts of the South-West and carries a high volume of commercial and passenger traffic daily.

The Kara Bridge, located around the Lagos-Ogun boundary, has previously recorded significant traffic disruptions during maintenance and construction works due to the limited availability of alternative routes.