FG Sets New Deadline For Reopening Of Eko And Apongbon Bridges

Federal Government has set a new deadline of July 15 to complete repairs and reopen both Eko and Apongbon bridges to traffic in Lagos State.

Gatekeepers News reports that this was disclosed in a telephone chat with the Federal Controller of Works in Lagos State, Mrs Olukorede Kesha, on Wednesday.

Appealing for patience and understanding among road users, she explained that some underlying repairs must be completed before reopening, to ensure the durability of the infrastructure.

“We had an extensive meeting today, so we all agreed that we will open the two bridges finally mid-July,” the Federal Controller of Works said.

“We are aware of the discomfort the motoring public is going through at the moment but they should just bear with the Federal Government. We are doing everything possible to ensure that the contractor finishes on or before July 15.”

Apongbon Bridge was affected by fire in March 2022 and efforts for its December completion were stalled by another fire that affected the Ijora Olopa section of Eko Bridge on November 4.

The delivery date for the Apongbon Bridge was extended to May 2023 because some materials for its repairs were used to start the emergency repair of the Ijora Olopa section.

The 4.1km Eko Bridge links Lagos Island with Mainland and directly links Apongbon on the Island side.

It had been undergoing phased rehabilitation but the contract for its comprehensive maintenance was awarded in February 2022.