FG announces new closure date for Third Mainland Bridge for major repairs

The Federal government has revealed that a comprehensive rehabilitation of the 11.8 kilometer Third Mainland Bridge in Lagos would commence on November 1 for a period of 3 months.

This was made known on Saturday by the Minister of Works, David Umahi, during an inspection of the under-deck, lagoon sections of the Third Mainland Bridge and other bridges.

Umahi, a team of engineers, directors of the Federal Ministry of Works and journalists inspected the lagoon sections of the Third Mainland, Carter, Independence and Falomo Bridges.

The minister, who also inspected the Marina Bridge in Apapa, said the entire stretch of the Third Mainland Bridge would undergo total resurfacing with minimal discomfort to road users, and the repairs would be carried out by midnight during the weekend.

READ ALSO: Federal Controller of Works Hails Successful Third Mainland Bridge Repairs, Promises Smooth Ride Until 2024 Rehabilitation.

Umahi said he carried out inspection of the top surface of the bridge on Friday before embarking on inspection of the Lagoon portions.

He explained that patching of various sections of the top surface of the bridge had led to undulating surfacing, which was not healthy for its safety, hence the need to remove and relay the entire asphaltic covering.

He said, “We are going to mill out the excess asphalt and retain only two millimetres.’’

The minister said the proposed maintenance of Third Mainland Bridge, which would last three months, was the first phase meant to secure the integrity as well aesthetics of the upper deck components of the bridge.

He explained that the maintenance of the aesthetics would include replacement of the railings, installation of solar-powered lights and CCTV cameras for optimal security of the bridge.

The minister assured road users that the three-month maintenance work would be without discomfort to motorists, as it would take place only between midnight and 4am and during weekends.

READ ALSO: FG to close Third Mainland Bridge for emergency maintenance

He added that more than one contractor would be engaged due to the emergency nature of the work, which would end in Phase Four; that will entail the repairs of deflected slabs, bearings, piers and pile caps.

The minister lamented that most of the bridges were about 60 years old and had outlived their design lifespan, hence the need for constant rehabilitation.

Umahi, who is a civil engineer, said the Marina Shoreline had deteriorated and was threatening the foundation of some parts of the Blue Rail Line, hence the need for urgent protection which had begun.

The minister warned that henceforth a 10-year maintenance responsibility would be attached to projects for contractors to bear repair costs within the period if the road failed.

He added that contractors who constructed roads that failed within two years risked jail term in line with global practices to curb shoddy constructions.

The Federal Government had barely a week ago closed the Third Mainland Bridge to traffic for 24 hours in order to carry out palliative repairs on some failed sections of the bridge which has been riddled with potholes and big bumps.

The Federal Controller of Works in Lagos State, Mrs Olukorede Keisha, had earlier during a television interview announced that the Third Mainland Bridge would be shut for 6 months for a total overhaul of the layers of asphalt for a period of 6 months. She said the rehabilitation works will commence at the latter end of January 2024.