The Federal Controller of Works in Lagos, Mr Olukayode Popoola, on Wednesday, revealed that the ongoing replacement of bearings and expansion joints on the Marine Beach Bridge in Apapa would be completed before the scheduled delivery date.
This was disclosed while Popoola supervised the lifting up of the beams of some sections of the bridge. He pointed out that the project, which began in May, had recorded 30% completion so as to deliver it ahead of schedule.
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Popoola said, “They (contractors) are supposed to have changed 36 bearings but as at today, they have changed about 60. So we are ahead of time because they were supposed to achieve that target by end of August.
“So, by that August, they will be laying asphalt on top of the bridge, so we are ahead of the scheduled time. We are working on the Apapa bound lane now and after completion we will now change to another lane, we are working section by section.”
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He also explained that the repair work on the first section, which is about 200 metres, would be completed by August. After the completion, ongoing repair work will then move to another section, which is expected to be completed in March 2021.
The Controller explained that the bearings and expansion joints were worn out and had become dangerous for use, hence, the need to lift up the bridge to repair the base and some components. Hence, he appealed for the understanding and cooperation of motorists to ensure speedy completion of the project.
He raised alarm over removal of crash barriers used to barricade damaged Alaka Bridge linking Eko Bridge by unknown persons to allow traffic, thereby risking lives of road users.
He also expressed displeasure over the indiscriminate parking of articulated vehicles on bridges causing damage to the bridges and appealed for a change of attitude.
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Going further he said, “Government is trying to do its best to make sure that all these structures get the proper maintenance to sustain the serviceability of these bridges in Lagos.’’
He disclosed that ongoing work on the Alaka linking Eko Bridge would be completed in three months and the bridge would be reopened to traffic. He said that the Federal Government carried out periodic repairs of bridges and reminded road users of the planned partial closure of the Third Mainland Bridge for such maintenance work on Friday.
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He listed various alternative routes that had been fixed to avert gridlock and reduce hardship to road users.
Nairametrics had in May, reported the closure of the Apapa Marine Beach Bridge so as to allow the Federal Ministry of Works carry out emergency repairs on the bridge. This was to ensure the safety of the users of that bridge, given the number of motorist that make use of it.
