A significant traffic disruption is looming over Lagos as the state government has announced a three-month closure of the outbound lane of the Marine Bridge, starting from November 18, 2024. The closure is necessary to facilitate urgent asphalt repairs on the bridge, a crucial link for commuters and businesses in the Apapa axis.
The Lagos State Commissioner for Transportation, Oluwaseun Osiyemi, confirmed the diversion in a statement released on Friday, November 15, 2024. He explained that the repair works, overseen by the Federal Ministry of Works, are essential to ensure the safety and durability of the bridge.
“Motorists are advised to use alternative routes as highlighted below:
- Motorists heading to Lagos Island from Apapa: Use Costain Roundabout inwards Eko Bridge to reach Lagos Island.
- Motorists heading to Ijora Causeway/Iddo from Apapa: Use Costain Roundabout to link Eko Bridge and access Ijora Causeway through Eko Bridge access ramp, then make a U-turn on Ijora Causeway to reach Iddo.
- Alternatively, motorists from Apapa can go through Ijora 7-Up through Marine Bridge to access the ramp to connect Ijora Causeway Access Road through Ijora Oloye and link Ijora Causeway to get to Iddo.
The diversion will only affect traffic inwards Ijora Olopa, while movement towards Costain via Sifax will remain open,” the statement read.
To mitigate traffic congestion, the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) will deploy personnel to strategic points along the diversion routes to manage traffic flow and minimize inconvenience to motorists.
The Marine Bridge closure is expected to exacerbate the already challenging traffic situation in Lagos, particularly in the Apapa axis, which is known for its notorious traffic congestion. Residents and commuters are urged to plan their journeys accordingly and consider alternative modes of transportation, such as public transport or carpooling, to reduce their travel time.
