Nigerian Minister of Works, Sen. Engr. David Nweze Umahi has on Wednesday flagged off emergency repairs of the damaged elements of super structure including the loops and ramps connecting the Third Mainland Bridge in Lagos, Lagos State.
At the event, the Minister noted that previous administration had in a bid to remedy the failed asphaltic surface and expansion joints of the Third Mainland Bridge had awarded a contract for the comprehensive repairs of the loops and ramps connecting the bridge and including the damaged elements of the bridge superstructures in Lagos State.
“When the current administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, came on board, it was observed that the project as awarded was for a limited scope and would not address all the concerns hence this new repairs in order not to compromise the integrity of the bridge”
According to the statement released from the Ministry, Umahi reaffirms the President’s commitment to keeping his promise of a renewed hope for all Nigerians thus has approved and provided the funds needed for the completion of the project in due time for ease of traffic.
“It is my pleasure to inform you today that Mr. President in keeping with his promise of renewed hope for all Nigerians has approved and provided the fund needed for the completion of the project “
The Minister assured the general public of speedy completion of the project in a systematic manner that will cause only minimal discomfort to road users and has thereby directed the contractor to work at night to ensure that the project is delivered within the shortest possible time.
“Our intention is to deliver the project in a systematic manner that will cause only minimal discomfort to road users. In this regard, the contractor has been directed to also work at night to ensure that the project is delivered within the shortest possible time”
Umahi disclosed that the Ministry proposes to start with the four ramps of the bridge where work had already commenced and will be completed on or before the 13th December, 2023 and the work on the major carriageway of the bridge will take off on the 15th of January, 2024.
“We intend to start with the four ramps to the bridge where work has already commenced on the 6th of November, 2023 and will be completed on or before the 13th December, 2023. The work on the major carriageway of the bridge will commence on the 15th of January, 2024″.
The Minister explained that the repair work on the bridge only concerns superstructure elements of the bridge and that the ministry is carrying out investigation as well as design of the piles, pile caps, piers as well as the deflected deck slab, which will lead to the award of a contract for the restoration of the substructure elements of the bridge at a later time.
Umahi reassured Nigerians of President Ahmed Tinubu’s pledge to deliver quality infrastructure that will stand the test of time and open the economy through the safe conveyance of goods and services across the country in line with the national infrastructure development of Renewed Hope Agenda.
The Minister thanked the Lagos State Government for their continued support and invaluable synergy towards the delivery of varied quality infrastructure in Lagos State.
While inspecting the bridge the Minister also called for more understanding and support saying that the closure is for quick completion and delivery of a safe and strong bridge for use.
The scope of work to be covered by this contract includes: Milling of the existing asphaltic surface; Provision of asphaltic concrete wearing course on the carriageway across the entire bridge length and ramps to a compacted thickness of 50mm;
Removal and replacement of worn-out expansion joint on the carriageway;.Removal of all existing guard rails and installation of new ones; Lane marking using thermoplastic material; and Installation of solar powered street lights for proper illumination.
With the Minister at the flag off ceremony in Lagos state were: the Director Highways, Southwest FMW, Engr Adedamola Kuti; the Director Bridges FMW, Engr. Awosanya; the Federal Controller of Works Lagos State, Mrs Korede Kesha; the Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat; the Managing Director of Messrs CCECC and other dignities.
The bridge starts from Oworonshoki, which is linked to the Apapa-Oshodi Expressway and the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway and ends at the Adeniji Adele Interchange in Lagos Island.