The Lagos State Government on Wednesday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to begin the construction of the 38km 4th Mainland Bridge.
According to a released statement, it is expected to bring a 14-year old dream to reality as it is set to become a major milestone achievement in the 50 years existence pf the state.
The Bridge, is geared towards economic growth in the State.
The bridge will gulp N844billion in a Public Private Partnership (PPP) initiative.
At the signing of the MoU held at the Banquet Hall, Lagos House, Ikeja, State Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode, said that the need for the bridge had become imperative following the phenomenal growth of the State with a population of over 21 million people, which has in turn increased commercial activities and traffic gridlock.
“This has made it imperative for us to have a 4th Mainland Bridge that will serve as an alternative route to the Eastern axis and decongest traffic in the State.
“More importantly this bridge will provide the required transportation compliment to the rapidly growing industrial activities on the Eti-Osa – Lekki – Epe corridor of the State,” he said.
According to the state’s Chief Executive, the proposed alignment of the Bridge will pass through Lekki, Langbasa and Baiyeiku towns along the shoreline of the Lagos Lagoon estuaries, further running through Igbogbo River Basin and crossing the Lagos Lagoon estuaries to Itamaga Area in Ikorodu.
The alignment will also cross through the Itoikin road and the Ikorodu – Sagamu Road to connect Isawo inward Lagos Ibadan Expressway at Ojodu Berger axis.
“This structure will be a Four-lane dual carriageway with each comprising three lanes and two metres hard shoulder on each side. The bridge will be constructed to have a generous median to allow for both future carriageway expansion and light rail facility. There is no gainsaying the fact that huge benefits will be derived from this project but most importantly, make life more comfortable for Lagosians,” he said.
“I am delighted that this project which has been on the drawing board for quite some time is now set to become a reality. This again, is the Continuity with improvement which we promised Lagosians.
“We have started the process with the signing of this MOU which is an expression of the commitment of major stakeholders including the government and the consortium of consultants and investors to the delivery of the project within the scheduled time frame,” the Governor said.
The bridge is expected to be completed in three years.