The Federal Government has extended the closure of the First Niger Bridge linking Onitsha in Anambra State with Asaba in Delta State by one week, following persistent rainfall that disrupted ongoing rehabilitation works.
The Acting Federal Controller of Works, Anambra State Field Headquarters, Timothy Emenike, said the bridge, initially scheduled to reopen on Monday, September 21, is now expected to reopen on Monday, September 28, subject to favourable weather and completion of the rehabilitation.
The bridge was closed on September 7 for emergency maintenance scheduled to last two weeks, with the works including replacement of vandalised railings, bolts and nuts, portions of expansion-joint steelwork and stanchion/steel-truss components.
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The project also includes the installation of closed-circuit television cameras and other improvements aimed at restoring the bridge to safe operating condition.
Emenike said persistent heavy rainfall had affected some completed sections of the work and disrupted construction activities.
He said contractors would require at least three consecutive dry days to resume full-scale operations and accelerate the remaining work.
“We have actually done a lot of work on most portions of the bridge, but with the constant heavy rains for almost one week, some areas have been affected and need at least three dry days for us to return to site,” Emenike said.
He added that inadequate lighting had earlier affected planned night operations, but the lighting and sanitation challenges at the site had been addressed.
Emenike said the rehabilitation would be inspected by the Minister of Works, David Umahi, before the bridge is reopened to traffic.
He appealed to motorists and commuters affected by the prolonged closure to exercise patience and continue using the Second Niger Bridge and other approved alternative routes pending completion of the work.
The First Niger Bridge is a major transport link between southeastern and south-southern Nigeria, and its closure has increased travel times, traffic congestion and transportation costs on alternative routes between Onitsha and Asaba.
Motorists and commuters faced heavy delays on Monday, with many using alternative routes through the Onitsha-Owerri Road. Some travellers were seen trekking from vehicles around diversion points, while others resorted to commercial boats to continue their journeys.
The Federal Government had advised road users to use the Second Niger Bridge through Obosi and the Onitsha-Owerri Road towards Asaba and other destinations during the rehabilitation period.
