The Lagos State Government on Tuesday reopened the Ogudu-Ifako Bridge following the completion of extensive repairs on 400 metres of its four expansion joints.
A section of the bridge, inbound Alapere, was partially closed to traffic on June 28 for maintenance. Although the project was originally expected to take about 100 days, it was delivered in just 73 days.
The first four phases of the repair, covering the Ogudu/Ifako-Alapere stretch, were completed by August 16. The subsequent phases, which focused on the Ogudu/Ifako-Oworoshoki axis, were also successfully concluded and the entire bridge is now fully operational.
Special Adviser on Infrastructure, Olufemi Daramola, and Commissioner for Transportation, Seun Osiyemi, led an inspection team to certify the project. Daramola explained that the works, initially scheduled for 101 days, were finished in 78 days thanks to the combined efforts of contractors, security agencies, and the patience of Lagos residents.
He stressed that addressing the defects on the expansion joints was crucial to preventing safety risks and prolonging the life of the busy bridge. “We undertook this repair to guarantee safety. Thankfully, with the cooperation of the people, we have been able to deliver ahead of schedule,” he said.
Daramola commended residents for their endurance during the closure and confirmed that the bridge is now fully open to traffic without restrictions. He also disclosed that the government’s next maintenance focus would be the Maza-Maza axis.
Commissioner Osiyemi praised Lagosians for their understanding and promised that the state would continue its infrastructure renewal drive. “This success belongs to everyone. Lagosians endured the inconveniences and supported the process. We sincerely appreciate your perseverance and patience,” he said.
He further urged citizens to safeguard public infrastructure, reminding them that the projects are funded with taxpayers’ money and built for long-term use. Osiyemi noted that similar works had been carried out at Odo-Iyalaro and Apongbon bridges, with other projects underway across the state.
Commuters expressed relief at the reopening. One passenger, Adebisi Adesesan, said it would ease traffic congestion, while commercial driver Taofeek Shittu highlighted that reduced gridlock would lower fuel costs and shorten travel times.
With the official reopening, full traffic flow has been restored on one of Lagos’s busiest transport corridors.