FG reopens Independence Bridge after emergency repair

The federal government has reopened the Independence Bridge following emergency repair works. The Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi declared the bridge open two days after the Victoria Island/Ikoyi axis was shut down as a result of traffic snarls caused by its closure. The minister explained that the closure was necessitated by the collapse of […]

The federal government has reopened the Independence Bridge following emergency repair works.

The Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi declared the bridge open two days after the Victoria Island/Ikoyi axis was shut down as a result of traffic snarls caused by its closure.

The minister explained that the closure was necessitated by the collapse of the bridge’s approach slab due to what he described as a faulty design.

Senator Umahi also directed all federal controllers of work across the country to strictly adhere to approved construction standards and processes, saying no federal road or bridge should be closed without first obtaining express approval from the minister of works.

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Weekend Trust reports that many motorists spent hours in the traffic gridlock caused by the closure of the Independence Bridge on Wednesday.

The Lagos State governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, had apologised over the inconvenience caused by the closure of the road.

But on Friday, Umahi, who had earlier queried the federal controller of works, Olukorede Kesha for closing the bridge without his approval, said that henceforth, such important decision must be carried out with an express approval of the minister.

He, however, disclosed that the permanent work on the bridge would be carried out in three weeks.