The Federal Ministry of Works has announced that the Marine Bridge in Lagos will be closed for 60 days starting on Sunday, April 27, for essential structural repairs.

Speaking on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily on Tuesday, the Federal Controller of Works for Lagos State, Olukorede Kesha, explained that the first section of the bridge will be fully closed for 20 days.

The initial closure of the Marine Bridge is expected to cause significant traffic disruptions around Apapa, Ijora, and Iganmu.

Kesha clarified that while the Marine Bridge is often confused with the Ijora Bridge, the repairs will be carried out in phases.

The work will involve lifting the bridge at three key sections to replace the old bearings.

“This phase of the repair involves replacing about 50 bearings,” Kesha said. “To do that, we need to lift the bridge at specific points. The first section at the beginning of the bridge will require a full closure for 20 days,” she added.

After the first phase, the repairs will not require total closures of the bridge. “The second section is around the middle of the bridge, and we plan to divert traffic there. The two lanes from Iganmu will be merged, so we can shift traffic to one side for another 20 days,” she explained.

Kesha stated that the final repair section will be at the bridge’s descent into Apapa, near Area B Police Command, with traffic diverted for another 20 days. This will make the entire project last around 60 days.

However, the most significant traffic issues are expected during the first 20 days when the bridge will be fully closed.

For drivers of large trucks, Kesha recommended different routes to avoid traffic jams. “If you’re an articulated truck (driver), don’t come through Ijora. From Costain, link Iganmu and head straight to Apapa,” she advised. “Smaller vehicles or trucks with business around Ijora 7up can turn left at the roundabout and use the access route up to the bridge,” she added.

Kesha noted that an unplanned closure in April had led to severe traffic congestion in parts of Lagos.

However, she assured the public that this time, early notice has been given about the closure, along with traffic management plans to help minimize disruptions.