The Federal Ministry of Works and Housing says the popular Eko Bridge in Lagos is no longer safe for public use following the sudden discovery of worn-out bearings on a section of the bridge (between Alaka and Costain inwards Apongbon) which forced its closure to traffic flow by the Lagos State government on Wednesday.
Ademola Kuti, the Federal Controller of Works, Lagos, made this known after he led Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and other Lagos officials to inspect the bridge. The Eko Bridge was constructed in the 70s by the military administration of, Yakubu Gowon, and until recently, not undergone any major maintenance works.
“We just discovered that the bearings are gone. The bearings are broken, and we are having problem with the bridge deck. As a matter of fact, the bridge is no longer safe for public use.
“We need to carry out detailed investigation: an assessment of this particular bearing and all that, then we will be able to give further information on what we can do, but for now the bridge is not safe for public use. It has to be shut down,” said Kuti.
Meanwhile, the Lagos State government would be carrying out full Traffic Impact Assessment (TIA) on the bridge. The state government is also vexed by dead (stationary) weight on the bridge as result of the continued occupation of heavy duty and stationary trucks on the bridge.
“These are bridges that are not made to have dead weight on them and what do I mean by dead weight, all the heavy trucks and containers that are parked on them. They are not designed for such usage.
“And so what we will do is to go back with our ministry of transportation, and do a full traffic impact assessment. And we will see where we can advise commuters on how to go about their vehicular movement just as we provide adequate alternatives,” said Sanwo-Olu.
The discovery of the worn-out bearings forced the federal and state authorities to shut the bridge to traffic flow in the early hours of Wednesday, March 11, triggering massive gridlocks in and around Surulere and its environs with motorists and commuters bearing the brunt.
Sanwo-Olu told journalists after inspecting the bridge that the government would take immediate steps to fix the defect, as well as beam searchlight on other bridges.
He said the government had to close the bridge as precautionary measure, insisting that the bridge and others in the state must be repaired. He assured that contractors would get to work to carry out repair works on the defective section within the shortest possible time.
Decrying the manner Lagos bridges have been abused, Sanwo-Olu assured that the state’s ministry of transportation would ensure that traffic rules and principles were followed.
“I want to reiterate, and to assure Lagosians that both Lagos government and the federal ministry of works will get to work and we’ll see how quickly we can remedy the current situation.”
The governor urged commuters to be patient and obey traffic officers as they direct people on road diversions to alternative routes.
The governor stated that although the bridge is a federal asset, the state government has a responsibility to maintain them for the use of the residents.
JOSHUA BASSEY
