Motorists advised to use alternative routes as Kara Bridge repairs begin March 10

The Federal Ministry of Works has issued a travel advisory ahead of the commencement of repair works on the Kara Bridge on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, urging motorists to plan journeys carefully and make use of designated alternative routes during the two-week closure.

In a statement released on Saturday and signed by the Federal Controller of Works in Ogun State, Olayiwola Komolafe, the ministry said repair works will begin on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, and are expected to last for two weeks, ending on March 24, 2026.

To minimise traffic congestion during the maintenance period, motorists travelling from Ikorodu towards Mowe, Sagamu, and Ibadan are encouraged to pass through Shimawa or Mosinmi. Similarly, motorists departing from Lagos Island may consider travelling through the Epe corridor via Ijebu Ode to reach Sagamu, Ibadan, and Mowe. The ministry also urged road users to plan their journeys carefully, noting that the shortest route may not always be the quickest during the repair period, and advised motorists to obey traffic management instructions and drive with caution around the construction area.

The March 10 repairs form part of a broader rehabilitation effort. In February, the Federal Government announced a six-week partial closure of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway to carry out urgent repairs on expansion joints at Kara Bridge, Magboro Bridge, and Arepo-Punch Bridge, saying the closure became necessary to resume critical rehabilitation works previously suspended on the Lagos-bound section of Kara Bridge following public complaints about prolonged traffic congestion.

The outbound Lagos section of Kara Bridge is specifically requiring the replacement of damaged expansion joints.  The Federal Controller of Works acknowledged that the condition of the expansion joint at Kara Bridge had been very poor and was directly responsible for causing traffic accidents, and assured motorists that barriers, traffic signs, and warning lights would be installed to protect both road users and construction workers.

The ministry appealed to motorists to cooperate with traffic management personnel deployed to the corridor and to exercise patience throughout the repair period.