The Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, says that permanent work on the Independence Bridge will commence in three weeks.
Briefing journalists in Lagos on Friday, the minister said the repair work would start once the integrity of underground pipes is verified.
“We understand the hardship this has caused Lagosians, and we are working to ensure that permanent work begins in three weeks to restore and improve this vital bridge,” the minister said at the reopening ceremony in Lagos.
He also outlined a staged construction approach to minimize disruption, including splitting road works into two phases with each phase lasting about 21 days.
“This bridge is fit. When we open the bridge, by the special grace of God, I will be the first to attest to the integrity of the bridge. I will be the first to pass.
“The integrity of the bridge is 100 per cent. What we are doing later is for long-term effect. But there is no problem about this repair,” he stated.
Two days ago, after millions of Lagosians were locked in hours-long gridlock, following the earlier closure of the bridge for planned maintenance and rehabilitation works.
Following public outcry as a result of the bridge closure, Umahi ordered the immediate reopening of the bridge on Thursday.
Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu apologised to residents for the gridlock experienced due to the rehabilitation of the bridge.
The minister said the closure was prompted by a structural failure involving the approach slab of the bridge, which caved in due to a faulty design.
He stated the initial construction of the approach slab was done as a cantilever, which was structurally inappropriate.
The Minister disclosed that the slab failed when the sand fill beneath it leaked, compromising its integrity and posing a serious risk to commuters.
Umahi described the situation as an emergency, admitting that proper procedures were not followed in announcing the closure.
The minister also disclosed that the bridge is now set for a redesign to ensure long-term stability.
“We have decided to redesign the project as a one-span bridge. This will eliminate the lateral head pressure on the abutment and address unknown factors such as piling depth,” he said.
“Any scouring or sand excavation puts the piles at risk,” he said, noting that ongoing studies will guide further reinforcement work.”