The Federal Government, through the Federal Ministry of Works, has announced a six-week partial closure of the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway to facilitate urgent repairs on expansion joints at Kara Bridge, Magboro Bridge, and Arepo-Punch Bridge.

The ministry explained that the closure was necessary to resume critical rehabilitation works previously suspended on the Lagos-bound section of Kara Bridge, following complaints from road users about prolonged traffic congestion.

Addressing journalists at Kara Bridge, the Ogun State Federal Controller of Works, Michael Komolafe, apologised for the inconvenience and assured motorists that enhanced traffic management measures would be implemented to ensure swift and safe repairs.

He noted that the deterioration of the expansion joints on the three bridges posed significant safety risks and had contributed to traffic accidents.

“The Minister of Works, David Umahi, has directed urgent repairs to prevent further incidents,” Komolafe said.

The contractor overseeing the project, Andy Duan, General Manager of CBC Construction Company, provided details on the scope of work. He stated that repair works on the Lagos-bound sections of Magboro and Arepo–Punch bridges had already been completed, and attention would now shift to the Ibadan-bound sides.

“At Kara Bridge, half of the Lagos-bound section has been completed, and we will now focus on the remaining portion,” Duan said.

“The expansion joints at Kara Bridge are in very poor condition and have been a major cause of traffic accidents. We will mobilise equipment over the weekend and begin full construction on Monday. Each bridge will be worked on in phases, with completion of half of each expansion joint expected within a week,” he added.

Duan also said that traffic safety would be a priority during the works, with barriers, warning signs, and lights installed to protect both motorists and workers.

Meanwhile, the Lagos State Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps, FRSC, Kehinde Hamzat, urged motorists to exercise patience and adhere to traffic regulations during the construction period. He warned against driving against traffic, noting that violators would face sanctions.

Hamzat emphasised that the repairs were essential to address failing expansion joints, which had created hazardous ditches and contributed to accidents, particularly on Kara Bridge.