By Cynthia Johnson
The Third Mainland Bridge in Lagos State is in a deplorable condition, with large potholes taking over almost the entire length of the bridge on both sides.
Quest Times reports that this has caused concern among motorists who ply the ever-busy bridge connecting Lagos Mainland and Lagos Island.
These motorists have expressed their frustration over the deplorable condition of the bridge, saying they spend hours in traffic every day due to the potholes and the diversion of traffic to alternative routes during rehabilitation works.
However, a civil engineer, Mr Victor Oyenuga, has downplayed the seriousness of the situation, saying that work will soon start for repairs.
“I have just been reliably informed that work will soon start for its repairs. I think the issue may not be as serious as people are painting it. As I said earlier, I haven’t been in that area recently,” Victor said.
It is worth noting that the 12-kilometer bridge has witnessed various rehabilitation works at different periods since it was commissioned in 1990, but the last rehabilitation work carried out on April 2, 2023, was not enough to address the level of deterioration.
Recall that the Federal Government had announced plans for another round of emergency repairs of the bridge. The Minister of Works, Senator Dave Umahi, said a contractor would soon be mobilised to the site, to work between midnight and 4 am in the morning on the bridge for minimal stress on motorists.
The Federal Government is urged to expedite the emergency repairs of the Third Mainland Bridge to minimize the inconvenience to motorists and ensure the safety of all road users.