AJOKE PHILIP
The Federal Government has announced the closure of the Third Mainland Bridge in Lagos to large trucks due to ongoing structural repairs.
This decision was revealed on the Ministry of Works’ website following a meeting between Minister David Umahi and representatives from Julius Berger, the contractor overseeing repairs on the Third Mainland, Iddo, and Carter Bridges.
Umahi praised Julius Berger’s work on the under-deck repairs and assured that 30% of the payment has already been made, with contractors to be paid within seven days if funds are available.
Highlighting the urgency, the Minister explained that 53 years of neglect have left the bridges in a dangerously deteriorated state, necessitating the closure of the Third Mainland Bridge to large trucks for safety.
“We have no problems with pricing. We’ve paid 30% due to the intervention of Mr. President.
“They’re working, and we’ve directed that each time they put a certificate and we still have funds, we will pay within seven days because this job they’re doing is very critical.
“For 53 years, those bridges were constructed, no maintenance, and so the deterioration is so horrible and frightening.
“Right now, we’ve closed the Third Mainland Bridge against big trucks,” the Works Minister stated.
These measures are part of the federal government’s broader efforts, underscoring that the safety of commuters and the long-term stability of the bridges remain top priorities.