FG to totally shutdown Third Mainland Bridge for another 3 days

The Federal Government has announced plans for a total shutdown of the Third Mainland Bridge for another 3 days with effect from midnight on Friday, January 29, 2021, to midnight of Monday, February 1, 2021.

This new closure of the bridge is to enable the contractors to perform another round of delicate expansion joints replacement on the structure.

According to a report from the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), this disclosure was made by the Federal Controller of Works Lagos, Mr Olukayode Popoola, on Wednesday, January  27, 2021.

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Popoola explained that construction works had reached the stage for casting concrete on additional 3 expansion joints, hence the need to stop all movements on the bridge that could cause vibrations.

While pointing out that the 72 hours closure was to ensure that the concrete sets properly during the curing process to make the rehabilitation works perfect and durable, he appealed for the understanding of Lagos residents as the current administration was passionate about quality infrastructure delivery and safety of road users.

READ: Lagos announces shutdown of Third Mainland Bridge for 2 weeks, shift in diversion point

What the Federal Controller of Works for Lagos is saying

Popoola in his statement said, “Messers Boroni Prono is planning to cast three number expansion joints on Saturday 30th and Sunday 31st.

” This will require total closure of the Third Mainland bridge from 12:00 midnight of Friday 29th till midnight of Monday 1st February 2021. We are sorry for the inconveniences this may cause Lagosians.’’

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What you should know

• It can be recalled that in July, the Federal Government announced the partial shutdown of the Third Mainland Bridge for a period of 6 months in order to perform a series of rehabilitation works on it.
• The project was extended by one month due to the recent #EndSARS protests in Lagos thereby extending the completion date from January 2021 to February.
• The 11.8km bridge, which was commissioned in 1990 by the then Military President, Ibrahim Babangida, is the longest of the 3 bridges connecting Lagos Island to the Mainland.