TRACE Issues Traffic Advisory As Crash Triggers Gridlock On Lagos–Ibadan Expressway
OLORUNDARE ENIMOLA, Lagos
The Ogun State Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Agency (TRACE) has issued a traffic advisory to motorists following severe congestion on both the inbound and outbound carriageways of the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway after a multiple road traffic crash at the Sinoma/El-Dorado–Ibafo axis.
According to the agency, the crash occurred on the outbound carriageway at Sinowa on Monday, leaving a major obstruction that has significantly disrupted the free flow of traffic.
TRACE said the situation was worsened by motorists who abandoned their designated lanes and drove against traffic by crossing into the inbound Lagos carriageway in an attempt to bypass the obstruction.
The agency explained that the widespread route violations have affected traffic movement in both directions, resulting in prolonged gridlock along the busy corridor.
It noted that traffic congestion continues to extend from the Interchange axis towards Lagos on the inbound carriageway, while the outbound section towards Ibadan is also witnessing heavy build-up due to the lingering effects of the crash.
TRACE urged motorists caught in the traffic to remain patient, avoid driving against traffic, maintain lane discipline and comply with the directives of traffic management personnel, including officers of TRACE, the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) and the Nigeria Police Force, who have been deployed to restore normal traffic flow.
To ease congestion, the agency advised motorists to consider alternative routes where practicable, including the Old Lagos–Sango–Ifo–Ewekoro–Abeokuta Expressway, the Sagamu–Sotubo–Ogijo–Ikorodu Expressway and the Ijebu-Ode–Epe Expressway.
The agency appealed to road users to remain calm and cooperate with traffic officials as efforts continue to clear the obstruction and normalise traffic movement on both carriageways.
TRACE Public Relations Officer, Commander Babatunde Akinbiyi, expressed regret over the inconvenience caused by the incident and assured motorists that traffic management agencies were working diligently to restore free vehicular movement.
