The Lagos State Government has consented to the demolition of two bridges at Jibowu and Costain. Minister of transportation, Rotimi Amaechi disclosed this after touring the project with Lagos State Governor Akinwunmi Ambode.
“ I was on a tour with the governor of Lagos State and we have agreed that the two bridges will come down.”
Amaechi had last month made the announcement while discussing with the steering committee and the Chinese Civil Engineering Construction Company(CCECC), but the news was rebuffed by the Lagos state government which feigned ignorance of the plan.
Implications of the move
While the bridges will be reconstructed after the rail lines have been laid, the move will cause a great deal of discomfort to residents who ply them in terms of traffic. The Costain bridge serves as one of the three links from the Island to the Mainland, while the Jibowu bridge decongests traffic on the Yaba axis.
Though the minister has signalled the bridges will be reconstructed, there is no absolute certainty the bridges can be reconstructed in a month or two. Demolishing the bridges during the festive period when there is typically more traffic, places added pressure on alternative routes, which are alrady congested due to construction of the Apapa-Oshodi Expressway.
About the project
Construction work commenced in March 2017 and is expected to be completed in March next year. Amaechi, however disclosed that he had instructed the contractor to conclude work on the project this month.
