The federal government has begun emergency repairs of the damaged elements of the Third Mainland Bridge superstructures, including the loops and ramps connecting the bridge in Lagos State, South-west Nigeria.
The Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, while flagging off the repair work, said it was necessary in order not to compromise the integrity of the bridge.
The minister assured the public of speedy completion of the project, promising minimal discomfort to road users.
“We intend to start with the four ramps to the bridge where work has already commenced on the 6th of November, 2023 and will be completed on or before the 13th December, 2023. The work on the major carriageway of the bridge will commence on the 15th of January, 2024.
“Our intention is to deliver the project in a systematic manner that will cause only minimal discomfort to road users.
“In this regard, the contractor has been directed to also work at night to ensure that the project is delivered within the shortest possible time,” Umahi said.
The minister further explained that the maintenance work is on the superstructure of the bridge and that the ministry is carrying out investigation on elements of the substructure such as the piles, pile caps, piers as well as the deflected deck slab, which will lead to the award of a contract for the restoration of the substructure.
He added that the repair work is part of President Bola Tinubu’s promise for a renewed hope for all Nigerians.
Senator Umahi appreciated the Lagos State Government for continued support and synergy towards the delivery of quality infrastructure in Lagos State.
The scope of repair work to be covered by the contract on Third Mainland Bridge includes milling of the existing asphaltic surface; provision of asphaltic concrete wearing course on the carriageway across the entire length of the bridge and ramps to a compacted thickness of 50mm; removal and replacement of worn-out expansion joints on the carriageway; removal of all existing guard rails and installation of new ones; lane-marking using thermoplastic material; and installation of solar-powered street lights for proper illumination.
