Government to fix Kara Bridge expansion joints in two weeks

The Federal Government has said it will start fixing the damaged expansion joints on the Kara Bridge section of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway on September 8.

They expect the work to finish in two weeks, according to the Federal Ministry of Works on Saturday.

Engr. Richard Adeleye, the Acting Controller of the Federal Ministry of Works in Ogun State, shared this news while checking the affected area of the expressway with reporters.

Adeleye explained that the repairs are urgent because the expansion joints have outlived their lifespan. This poses a danger to drivers using the busy road.

He mentioned that the work will happen in phases to reduce its effect on traffic. One side of the affected area will close first, while cars will use the other side under careful traffic management.

Adeleye said, "There will be traffic control here from the 8th of this month, which will last for two weeks, precisely because of the curing that is expected before it is opened to traffic."

He added, "We will first work on half of the expansion joint to allow traffic to go slowly on the other half of the carriageway. After one week, we will switch to the other end."

The controller said that officers from the Federal Road Safety Corps, Ogun State Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Corps, and Lagos State Traffic Management Authority will help manage traffic during the repairs.

Adeleye explained that expansion joints help the bridge handle movement caused by heat and cold.

He warned that not replacing damaged joints could lead to serious issues like buckling or cracking of the bridge.

"Without expansion joints on the bridge, there could be serious damage to the bridge itself because of expansion due to the heat during the day and shrinking during the cold times of the day," he said.

"The expansion joint absorbs that movement of the bridge; otherwise, it can cause serious damage by buckling or cracking," Adeleye added.

He assured drivers that the repairs would not take more than two weeks, "all things being equal."

Adeleye asked road users to be patient during the work. He noted that the damaged expansion joint has caused many accidents in that area.

"It is better done now because it has been causing a lot of accidents. We have witnessed it, even the last time we came here. It happened right here in our presence," he said.

He advised motorists heading to Ibadan to consider other routes like Ogijo-Ikorodu Road and roads around Sango and Abeokuta where suitable.

However, he said drivers who decide to use the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway will still be allowed through the construction zone, but under controlled traffic.

Adeleye mentioned that the construction area will cover about 100 metres and assured motorists that they can leave the restricted area soon after crossing the bridge.

He described the repairs as a major fix that is important for the bridge's safety and added that the new joints should last between 10 and 20 years.

Kehinde Hamzat, the Lagos State Sector Commander of the FRSC, also spoke. He said traffic control is crucial during the repairs to keep drivers and workers safe.

Hamzat said the FRSC will step up traffic management around the construction area and redirect traffic when needed to reduce congestion and prevent accidents.

He said, "Every construction needs traffic control so that the people working can work without any hitches. We will intensify traffic control in the area and divert traffic when necessary."

Hamzat described the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway as "a very critical part of the nation’s economy." He said workers have been sent to ensure the safety of road users and construction staff.

He urged drivers to be patient, follow traffic rules, and avoid that area if their trips are not urgent during the repairs.

Hamzat mentioned that the work has been delayed several times due to traffic management concerns and public requests. He hopes there will be no more delays.

Gbenga Dairo, the Ogun State Commissioner for Transportation, represented by Engr. Hassan Ibrahim, the Director of Transportation Services, advised drivers to plan their trips ahead of the September 8 start date.

He urged drivers coming from Lagos to consider Ikorodu-Ogijo Road, Shimawa Bridge, and the old road to Abeokuta as alternatives. He also called for caution and compliance with warning signs around the construction site.