FG announces temporary closure of Independence Bridge, alternative routes advised

The Federal Government has announced the temporary closure of the Independence Bridge (Marina-bound) in Lagos, beginning April 1, 2025, for critical maintenance and rehabilitation works.

The closure is expected to last until May 2025, significantly impacting traffic flow in the area.

In a statement released on Monday, the Federal Controller of Works in Lagos, Mrs. Olukorede Kesha, confirmed the planned closure, stressing the importance of the rehabilitation efforts in ensuring the long-term safety and durability of the bridge.

“The temporary closure of the Marina-bound section of Independence Bridge is necessary to carry out essential repairs and structural maintenance. We recognize the inconvenience this may cause and appreciate the public’s patience as we work to improve our infrastructure,” Kesha stated.

The closure will affect commuters traveling from Ahmadu Bello Way and Adeola Odeku towards Marina, Eko Bridge, and Onikan by Zone 2. Motorists are advised to seek alternative routes to mitigate potential congestion and travel delays.

To ease traffic disruptions, road users are encouraged to utilize the following alternative routes: Motorists heading to Marina from Ahmadu Bello Way can take the Bonny Camp route or Ozumba Mbadiwe Avenue to link CMS and Broad Street.

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Commuters traveling toward Eko Bridge and Onikan should consider taking the Outer Marina Road.

Additional traffic management measures will be put in place by relevant agencies to guide motorists and reduce gridlock in affected areas.

Mrs. Kesha extended apologies to the public for the inconvenience the closure may cause and urged motorists and residents to cooperate with traffic management authorities.

She reassured Lagosians that the rehabilitation works are essential for maintaining the structural integrity and longevity of the bridge, which is a key component of the city’s transport network.

“The government is committed to enhancing road infrastructure across the country. We appeal to road users to exercise patience and adhere to traffic diversion instructions for the duration of the project,” she added.

The announcement has sparked mixed reactions from commuters and business owners who rely on the bridge for daily movement. While some acknowledge the need for maintenance, others express concerns over potential traffic congestion and business disruptions in the Marina area.

Traffic experts suggest that effective traffic management strategies and timely project execution will be crucial in minimizing the impact of the closure.