FG Begins Emergency Repairs on Kara, Magboro, Arepo–Punch Bridges

Motorists using the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway will experience a six-week partial disruption as repair work begins on critical sections of the road. The Federal Ministry of Works confirmed on Thursday that the intervention will focus on damaged expansion joints at Kara Bridge, Magboro Bridge and the Arepo–Punch Bridge.

Officials explained that the temporary closure is aimed at restarting rehabilitation work on the Lagos-bound carriageway of Kara Bridge, which had earlier been put on hold following widespread complaints over heavy traffic congestion.

During an inspection at Kara Bridge, the Ogun State Federal Controller of Works, Michael Komolafe, apologised to road users for the inconvenience and said improved traffic management measures would be deployed to reduce delays while ensuring the repairs are completed effectively.

He added that the expansion joints on the three bridges have deteriorated badly, creating safety hazards and contributing to road accidents along the corridor.

He stated that the Minister of Works, David Umahi, had directed that urgent repairs be carried out.

Komolafe added that work had already been completed on half of the Lagos-bound sections of Magboro and Arepo–Punch bridges, while the remaining portions on the Ibadan-bound side would now be addressed.

The contractor and General Manager of CBC Construction Company, Andy Duan, said the repairs would take six weeks, with mobilisation of equipment to be completed over the weekend and full construction expected to begin on Monday.

Duan revealed that repair work on the expansion joints at Magboro and Arepo–Punch bridges had been partly completed, while about half of the Lagos-bound carriageway at Kara Bridge had already been rehabilitated. He explained that work on the remaining section was earlier paused to avoid worsening traffic congestion but would now resume following fresh directives from the Federal Ministry of Works.

According to him, the expansion joint at Kara Bridge had deteriorated badly, contributing to accidents along the corridor and making urgent intervention necessary.

Duan said preparatory activities would precede the diversion, including the installation of barriers to secure the work zone. He added that warning signs, lights and other safety devices would also be deployed to protect both road users and construction workers.

Although work was initially scheduled to begin immediately, he noted that commencement had been shifted to Monday. Each half of an expansion joint is expected to be completed within a week, while repairs on the Ibadan-bound lanes across the three bridges will be carried out in stages, with each bridge taking roughly one week.

Also speaking, the Lagos State Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps, Kehinde Hamzat, assured motorists that traffic control measures were in place to ease movement during the repair period. He cautioned drivers against driving against traffic, warning that offenders would face sanctions.