Lagosians can look forward to some relief from endemic gridlock on the Eti-osaLekki- Epe corridor as the state governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Sunday, flagged off the reconstruction of the expressway which was first constructed 40 years ago.
Sanwo- Olu flagged off the first phase of the road project at a ceremony held at the Pan African University in Eleko, Ibeju Lekki area. The first phase, which will be completed in 20 months, will cover 18.75 kilometres, stretching from Eleko to TJunction in Epe.
The road was constructed in 1981 as a single carriageway but underwent an upgrade to a two-lane carriageway in 2006. Its condition, however, became deplorable as a result of population growth and increased vehicular traffic.
The intervention will see the entire stretch from Eleko to Epe dualised on rigid pavement, with three lanes on each side. A lane on each side will be dedicated as toll weighbridges only for heavyduty vehicles.
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The governor, while flagging off the project, said the ceremony symbolised his administration’s revolutionary efforts at making life better for Lagos citizens and improving the ease of doing business in the State.
He said the Eti Osa-lekkiEpe corridor was strategically important to the State’s economic prosperity, stressing that the completion of the project would further strengthen his administration’s commitment to inclusive development.
The governor vowed that no part of Lagos would be left behind in his Government’s quest for transformational projects.
“We recognise the importance of the Eti-osa-lekkiEpe Expressway to the economic prosperity of Lagos and its citizens. We are aware of the agitation and concerns of people about this strategic infrastructure. This is why we initially declared a state of emergency on the road and put in place temporary measures last year November.
“Today, I am delighted to be at the historic flag-off of the rehabilitation and upgrading of this 40-year-old Eti Osa-lekki-epe Expressway. This effort will culminate in a three-lane dual carriageway reinforced concrete pavement road with a dedicated lane in each direction for trucks and a rigid pavement to accommodate the envisaged axle loadings expected to ply the road when it is completed.
