Traffic to worsen on Lagos-Ibadan road, as Sagamu Interchange Bridge closed

Vehicular traffic flow on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway may be further impeded this festive season following the closure of the Sagamu Interchange Bridge.

The Lagos-Ibadan Expressway is one of the busiest in southern Nigeria, as it connects several states and cities. The road gets even busier during festive season such as now, thus, impediment on the road often raises concerns among motorists and commuters.

The Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) on Thursday announced an indefinite closure of Sagamu Interchange Bridge.

Florence Okpe, FRSC public education officer, Ogun sector command, in a statement, said the closure became necessary due to the damage caused by the two petroluem tankers that crashed underneath the bridge on Wednesday (Christmas Day), setting off an inferno.

According to her, the FRSC after the crash invited engineers of the federal ministry of works and housing to assess the integrity of the bridge due to the intensity of the fire that damaged sections of the bridge.

“Based on their professional advice that the fire has destroyed the integrity of the Bridge and may not be safe for motorisation till reinforced , the FRSC Ogun State command is notifying members of the public to avoid the use of the bridge till it is reinforced.

The FRSC urged motorists to cooperate with it and other security agencies that would enforce the temporary closure of the bridge till it is repaired and reopen to motorists for use.

“Motorists approaching the Sagamu Interchange Bridge from the eastern part of Nigeria via Ijebu Ode should detour right at the back of the FRSC emergency road side Clinic at Sagamu to connect the Lagos – Ibadan Expressway leading to Ogere. They can then make a U -Turn before Ogere town and continue their journey to Lagos

“Vehicles coming from Abeokuta leading to the eastern part of Nigeria via Ijebu Ode should avoid the Sagamu Interchange Bridge and turn right immediately after Nestle Company Plc to proceed to the expressway leading to Lagos and they can then make a U – turn after Kara – Sagamu after the Julius Berger Yard, Sagamu to reconnect the Sagamu- Ijebu Ode – Ore – Benin Expressway

“The FRSC regrets the inconveniences this may cause motorists”, the statement added.

The FRSC advises motorists to call the FRSC toll-free number 122, in case of traffic emergencies.

JOSHUA BASSEY