The Lagos State Government inaugurated the Oyingbo Overpass Bridge on Sunday, marking the latest addition to the Lagos Rail Mass Transit (LRMT) Red Line’s ancillary infrastructure. The project was officially inaugurated by Governor Biodun Oyebanji of Ekiti State, who was invited by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State. The construction was executed under the supervision of the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA).
The opening of the Oyingbo Flyover comes just three days after the inauguration of the Yaba Flyover, another vital piece of infrastructure supporting the Red Line.
Governor Sanwo-Olu emphasised that the Oyingbo Overpass Bridge is a crucial component of the Red Line Rail system, designed to enhance safety and facilitate uninterrupted vehicular traffic flow at level crossings. This 7.7-meter bridge represents the second of four similar structures delivered as part of the project.
The Oyingbo Flyover serves as a vital transportation link between Lagos Island and the Mainland. It ascends from Murtala Mohammed Way in Ebute Metta and directs traffic into two separate arterial roads: Iddo and Costain.
Sanwo-Olu explained that the project directly addresses vehicular congestion and delays that have previously hindered the free movement of people in the area. Furthermore, the overpass is expected to eliminate pedestrian and vehicular interference with the rail tracks, thus significantly reducing the risk of accidents and collisions between trains and vehicles.
The Governor emphasised that this investment is not only aimed at ensuring the uninterrupted flow of vehicular traffic at level crossings along the Red Line corridor but also intends to enhance commerce and improve the quality of life for residents.
“Today, we are opening another Overpass Bridge constructed to ensure safety of lives and uninterrupted flow of vehicular traffic at level crossings along the Red Line. This key project, which is the second of the five bridges undertaken by the Lagos State Government along the rail corridor, has been delivered in Oyingbo, famous for being a thriving centre of commerce,” said Governor Sanwo-Olu.
Sanwo-Olu also noted that the timing of the Oyingbo Bridge’s opening is opportune, especially considering the announced maintenance work on the Third Mainland Bridge, which has necessitated the closure of sections in Ebute Metta. This has affected the passageways for motorists heading to Lagos Island, making the Oyingbo Flyover an essential alternative route for accessing the Island.
The governor stressed the need for proper use of the infrastructure and warned against illegal activities, including trading, under the bridge. He highlighted the contract’s role in harnessing local engineering expertise, promoting skill transfer, and developing local engineering solutions. Students of engineering from Lagos-based tertiary institutions were also engaged throughout the construction process to facilitate learning and value derivation.
Governor Oyebanji of Ekiti State commended the transformative leadership and progressive reforms demonstrated by Lagos. He highlighted Lagos as a model of effective governance and expressed Ekiti State’s desire to learn from Lagos’s success in developing a practical vision for progress.
Commissioner for Transportation, Mr. Oluwaseun Osiyemi, emphasised that the opening of the flyover aligns with the governor’s development blueprint, THEMES Plus Agenda, to deliver an integrated transportation master plan aimed at making Lagos a competitive city.
The Managing Director of LAMATA, Mrs. Abimbola Akinajo, praised Governor Sanwo-Olu for his commitment to ensuring the timely completion of the Red Line infrastructure.
Mrs. Omolola Essien, the Chairman of Lagos Mainland Local Government Area, described the bridge’s opening as a momentous occasion and a symbol of progress for Lagos Mainland residents. She pledged zero tolerance for illegal trading under the bridge and expressed her commitment to preserving this valuable infrastructure.
The Oyingbo Overpass Bridge inauguration further underscores Lagos State’s dedication to improving transportation, safety, and infrastructure for its citizens.
