The Lagos State Government says it has temporarily closed Alapere Pedestrian Bridge which was damaged by an articulated vehicle, and began immediate remedial works on sections that need urgent attention.
This was contained in a statement by Mr Shina Odunuga, Spokesman, Lagos State Ministry of Works and Infrastructure, said the swift intervention was prompted by a viral video revealing cracks on various sections of the bridge.
Odunuga said the team led by the Permanent Secretary, Office of Infrastructure, Mr Olufemi Daramola, decided to temporarily close the bridge in the interest of public safety.
He said the delegation assessed the situation, conducted tests and began immediate repairs.
“According to eyewitness accounts, the damage to the bridge occurred when an articulated low-bed truck attempted to navigate the bridge while carrying heavy-duty equipment that exceeded the provided standard design headroom of 5.4 meters.
“At this juncture, the incident brings to mind similar occurrences at Alakija-Trade Fair and Apapa/Oshodi within the past year.
“Public infrastructure is being negatively impacted due to the recklessness of road transporters who fail to adhere to international best practices while driving articulated vehicles,” he said.
Odunuga added that the Alapere Pedestrian Bridge was the third bridge damaged within a short period, thereby, posing challenges to infrastructural growth, given the limited resources of the state government.
