The Lagos State Government has alerted motorists to prepare for traffic disruptions as the Federal Ministry of Works commences the replacement of the expansion joint on Kara Bridge along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.

According to an official traffic advisory released by the Lagos State Ministry of Transportation, the rehabilitation work will begin on Tuesday, July 28, 2026, and is expected to last for two weeks. During the period, road users have been urged to plan their journeys carefully and cooperate with traffic management officials deployed to the area.

The advisory explained that the project will involve replacing the bridge’s expansion joint, a vital structural component designed to absorb movement caused by changes in temperature, traffic loads and other environmental conditions. Expansion joints help maintain the integrity of bridges by preventing cracks and structural damage, making periodic replacement essential for the safety and longevity of critical transport infrastructure.

To facilitate the repairs, traffic movement within the work zone will be reduced from four lanes to two lanes, a development expected to cause congestion, particularly during peak commuting hours. Authorities warned that while the bridge will remain open to traffic, motorists should anticipate delays and slower travel times throughout the duration of the project.

The Lagos State Government stressed that the temporary inconvenience is necessary to ensure the long-term safety and durability of one of the state’s busiest transport corridors.

Motorists have therefore been advised to leave for their destinations earlier than usual, make use of alternative routes wherever practicable, and pay close attention to official traffic updates. Drivers are also expected to obey road signs, comply with directions from traffic management personnel, and exercise patience while the maintenance work is ongoing. Traffic officers from relevant agencies are expected to be stationed around the corridor to manage vehicular movement and minimise disruptions.

Kara Bridge serves as a strategic gateway linking Lagos with Ogun State and other parts of south-western and northern Nigeria through the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway. The corridor accommodates thousands of commuters, commercial vehicles and articulated trucks daily, making it one of the busiest highways in the country.

Transport experts have consistently noted that timely maintenance of bridges and highways is crucial to preventing more extensive structural failures and ensuring safer, more efficient movement of people and goods. Authorities have reassured road users that every effort will be made to complete the rehabilitation within the projected two-week period while maintaining safe passage through the construction zone.