Motorists in Lagos have once again expressed their apprehensions over the deteriorating condition of the Third Mainland Bridge, the longest of the three bridges connecting Lagos Island with the Mainland.
Commuters have urgently called upon the government to take immediate action to rectify the situation.
The Third Mainland Bridge, stretching approximately 11.8 kilometers, commences from the Oworonshoki end of the Mainland and concludes at the Adeniji Adele Interchange on Lagos Island.
Third mainland bridge’s deteriorating state
Despite undergoing multiple rehabilitation efforts since its completion in 1990, with the most recent occurring on April 2, 2023, executed by the Lagos State Government, the bridge’s state remains a point of concern.
Although the Lagos State Government has clarified that the bridge falls under the jurisdiction of the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA), it initiated repairs on the inbound and outbound sections near the University of Lagos axis due to vehicular congestion and the safety risks stemming from the extent of damage for motorists.
Potholes continue to proliferate on the bridge, raising alarms about potential accidents for those who utilize it.
These potholes are noticeable along the bridge’s length, with a more pronounced presence in areas like Obalende to Adekunle and in proximity to the bridge’s Ebute Meta approach.
A correspondent monitoring the bridge on Monday reported that its deteriorating condition has led to traffic congestion, resulting in increased transportation costs in the area.
At the Oworonshoki bus stop section of the bridge, potholes led to a traffic jam around 9:30 a.m., stranding many drivers and passengers.
Lawal Adegbenro, a commercial driver, lamented the toll that the bridge’s potholes were taking on his vehicle, emphasizing that the gridlock caused by the bridge’s condition led to higher fuel consumption and, subsequently, raised transport fares.
He pleaded for government intervention to maintain the road and ensure smoother traffic flow.
Another commercial driver, who chose to remain anonymous, criticized the government for seemingly ignoring the issue, even though it has been widely discussed on various radio stations.
Regular users of the bridge have taken to social media platforms, expressing their discontent with its current state, emphasizing the need for maintenance.
In September, the Lagos State Government had announced plans for rehabilitative works on the bridge’s failing sections, initially scheduled for two consecutive Sundays in September.
However, due to heavy rainfall across the metropolis, the government later postponed the rehabilitation. As of now, no new date has been confirmed for the rehabilitation project.
Recently, during an interview on Channels TV, the Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, expressed opposition to the idea of continuously adding asphalt to the bridge, citing concerns that excessive layers of asphalt could pose safety risks, potentially causing vehicles to overturn.
The deteriorating state of the Third Mainland Bridge remains a pressing concern for commuters and the government, with a growing call for prompt action to address the bridge’s issues and ensure the safety of all those who use it.