The Lagos State Government on Monday, officially reopened the Ojota and Maryland sections of the Odo Iya Alaro Bridge after a 54-day closure.
The rehabilitation project, which began on July 22, 2024, was completed in two distinct phases.
The Ojota-bound side was finished by August 23, 2024, while the Maryland-bound section reached completion on September 13, 2024.
During the reopening ceremony, Deputy Governor Dr. Obafemi Hamzat voiced concerns about the recurring issue of manhole cover theft in the state.
In response, the government has opted to replace traditional steel manhole covers with durable fiber-reinforced materials.
“Anyone caught stealing manhole covers will face prosecution,” Hamzat warned. He further assured that maintaining infrastructure is not a problem in Lagos, highlighting recent repairs that included the fixing of expansion joints and the installation of fiber-reinforced covers in place of stolen ones.
Hamzat emphasized the administration of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s commitment to improving road and bridge infrastructure with the goals of reducing travel time, boosting interconnectivity, providing smoother riding surfaces, and alleviating traffic congestion.
He stressed that the government is prioritizing safety and has identified several pedestrian bridges for routine maintenance.
“To tackle infrastructure abuse, we’ve resolved to address security threats and misuse of roads and bridges head-on,” Hamzat declared.
Special Adviser on Infrastructure, Engr. Olufemi Daramola, credited the project’s swift completion to the government’s dedication to easing the daily commutes of motorists.
The reopening of the bridge is anticipated to significantly improve traffic flow and provide much-needed relief to commuters in the area.
