Third Mainland Bridge repairs to gulp N1bn

Repairs on the Third Mainland Bridge and additional works on the bridge's expansion joints would cost the sum 
of N1.05billion, Bashir Yuguda, the Minister of State for Works said Friday, in Lagos.
The repairs, which involves the removal and replacement of 8 Nos of defective expansion joints, would be 
executed by M/S Borini Prono & Co. (Nig.) Ltd.
"This is the longest bridge in Africa and the federal government attaches a lot of importance to it," Mr. Yuguda 
said.




Mr. Yuguda also debunked claims that the bridge would be closed to vehicular traffic throughout the four 
months the repairs would last.
"There will be no total closure, only partial closures for specific hours of the day," said Mr. Yuguda.



    


"We were ready to start work on 1st of July but mother nature did not allow us - we all witnessed torrential rains.
"There was never a time the federal government postponed the repair works indefinitely," he added.
'Less challenges'

With the first phase of the repairs having been completed in 2008 and which lasted for two months, the 
federal government stated that they would improve on the "hiccups" of four years ago during the second phase.
"We are going to do a lot of traffic management," Mr. Yuguda said.



    


Major repair works for the second phase would fully commence by midnight, Saturday, while traffic diversion will 
start the next day.




"We hope that Lagos will bear with us," said Giafranco Albertazz, Managing Director of 
M/S Borini Prono & Co. (Nig.) Ltd.
"We hope to finish on time, if not ahead of time," he added.
Kayode Opeifa, the Lagos State Commissioner for Transportation, echoed Mr. Albertazz's views.
"In 2008 we had challenges more than what we have today and yet it was a smooth operation," Mr. Opeifa said.
"Nigerian army, police, civil defence corps and other security agencies are all on ground to provide security, not 
only for people working on the bridge but also to motorists," he added.
Traffic diversions
Vehicular traffic moving from the Oworonsoki end of the bridge towards the island will have "unhindered" access 
to the bridge between 12 midnight and 12 noon, according to Mr. Opeifa.
"When you get to Unilag (waterfront), you'll get a slight left move and then continue.




"At Adeniji Adele, another slight move to the left and you continue," Mr. Opeifa said.





At 12 noon the next day there will be a switch - vehicles from the island will be diverted at Adeniji Adele to 
Iddo via Carter Bridge.
At Iddo, motorists would have the options of Herbert Macaulay Way, Eko Bridge, and Ijora to continue their journey 
into the mainland.
"In 2008 we provided 500 traffic officers. This we are providing 700 to man the toll gate, Herbert Macaulay, and all 
the diversion points.
"They will work together with the other stakeholders," said Mr. Opeifa.
The first phase of the repairs will start on the Lagos Island bound carriageway between Ebute Metta interchange 
and Adeniji Adele end; while the second phase is on the Oworonsoki bound carriageway between Adeniji Adele and
Ebute Metta interchange.
The repairs are expected to be completed by November 5.