Ijora Bridge in Lagos to Be Fully Closed from April 27 for Critical Repairs – FG
The Federal Government has announced that the Ijora Bridge in Lagos will be completely closed to traffic starting April 27 to allow for essential repairs.
Mrs. Olukorede Kesha, the Federal Controller of Works in Lagos, made the announcement on Monday during an inspection of the bridge.
She explained that the bridge, which links Ijora Causeway to Apapa, requires extensive repairs, particularly the replacement of several damaged bearings located beneath the bridge deck.
“This bridge has been under rehabilitation in different phases,” Kesha stated. “We are now entering the final phase, which involves lifting the entire bridge deck to replace the defective bearings beneath it.”
According to her, around 50 damaged bearings across three segments of the bridge need to be replaced.
Kesha highlighted the strategic importance of the Ijora Bridge, which serves as a key route into Apapa—home to Nigeria’s two busiest seaports, Apapa and Tincan.
She acknowledged that the closure would disrupt traffic flow but emphasized that the move is necessary to ensure public safety and prevent further structural damage.
To manage traffic during the closure, Kesha explained that vehicles from Ijora would be redirected through the Seven Up Roundabout to reconnect with Apapa, while heavy-duty trucks would be rerouted through Costain and Iganmu.
She reassured the public that the Federal Ministry of Works had developed a comprehensive traffic diversion plan to ease congestion.
Kesha also called on the public for patience and cooperation, noting that the repair works are time-sensitive.
She revealed that the ministry had received several reports from concerned citizens regarding noticeable vibrations on the bridge.
While assuring that the bridge is not in immediate danger of collapse, Kesha stressed that urgent maintenance is required.
“It’s not going to collapse, but it does need urgent repairs. If you drive on it now, you can actually feel the vibrations,” she said. “That’s because the spring-like bearings under the deck have significantly weakened.”
These ongoing works represent the first major repair effort on the Ijora Bridge since it was built decades ago. The initial phase will involve a complete shutdown of the bridge to replace the bearings. Later phases, such as asphalt removal and replacement, may be done in stages—likely on Sundays—to reduce traffic inconvenience.
Kesha underscored the importance of keeping the public informed, stating that the Minister of Works, Senator Dave Umahi, had mandated that all bridge closures be well-publicized.
“This is all for the safety of the public,” she concluded. “With everyone’s support, we can complete the project on schedule and restore the bridge to a much safer condition.”
