Why Lagos residents are furious over planned shutdown of third mainland bridge
Just over a month after easing the COVID-19 lockdown, the Federal Government has announced plans to shut down the Third Mainland Bridge for six months, beginning from July 24, 2020. The shutdown, it says, will allow repair works to be conducted on the bridge.
With the Third Mainland Bridge serving as the most viable connection between Lagos island and the mainland, many residents who ply the route are opposed to the decision. The 11.8km bridge which was constructed in 1990 has undergone several routine maintenance works that warrant either partial or total shutdown. Most of the repairs have been haphazard and impromptu in the past. And the last time the bridge was closed for an investigative-maintenance check was in August 2018, and it only lasted for three days.
This year’s intended shut down is coming at a time when people are trying to return to their businesses following the COVID-19 lockdown which grounded business and economic activities across the country.
According to the Federal Controller of Works in Lagos, Mr Olukayode Popoola, the government is still working out the best approach and reviewing traffic management plans before commencing the project.
“Everything being expected for the repairs of the bridge arrived the country that is why we want to start the repairs now’’ he said, during an interaction with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday, July 6.
The traffic gridlock that’s often experienced on the Third Mainland Bridge is expected to be worsened by the shutdown at a time when people are looking for a reprieve from the strain of the COVID-19 lockdown.
Many have taken to Twitter to express their frustration on the impending shutdown and the unbearable traffic snarls that will accompany the exercise.
“Why didn’t they carry out this said maintenance when the country was in total lockdown, after all some people on essentials were allowed to move around,” Imo Ukut demanded in a tweet.
“I really fail to understand how we do things in this country. Most roads in Lagos are not fit to be so called. Shouldn’t the FG give @followlasg & @babajidesanwoolu time to finish the roads before closing Third Mainland bridge? Do govts [sic] here get a kick out [of] frustrating the people?” Adenike Oyalowo tweeted.
“My dear governor @jidesanwoolu with Eko Bridge still closed, the New Costain bridge unfinished, the type of rainy season we haven’t seen in a while, this is not the time to close Third Mainland bridge. Surulere is going to be a total mess to get around!” Tope Adeyemi pleaded with the governor of Lagos, Babajide Sanwo-Olu.
Popoola explained that some sections of the bridge were worn out and need to be fixed. He also urged motorists to use alternative routes during the maintenance work.
With the given timeframe of six months from July 24, the repairs are expected to be completed in January 2021.
