The Federal Government has raised concerns over serious damage inflicted on the nearly completed Lotto Bridge Interchange on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway in Ogun State.
During a site inspection on Monday, the Federal Controller of Works in Lagos, Mrs. Olukorede Kesha, explained that the damage was caused by a low-bed articulated vehicle transporting an excavator. The vehicle’s improperly secured boom struck the bridge beams in the early hours of Thursday.
“From what we observed, the excavator’s boom wasn’t properly lowered, making it too high to pass under the bridge,” Kesha said.
She revealed that five beams were affected, with two severely compromised and in need of total replacement. Kesha warned that the damage would negatively impact road traffic, motorists, and the economy.
“To repair this, we must shut down this section and divert traffic. Anyone who uses this route knows how critical it is,” she added, noting the substantial financial burden the repairs would impose.
“We must treat this as a wake-up call. Carelessness by one individual is now costing millions of Nigerians. We won’t tolerate such recklessness,” she emphasized.
A comprehensive assessment has been ongoing since Friday, and while a repair timeline hasn't been set, work will begin once the report is completed and approved. The report will outline the extent of work, costs, and repair strategies.
Kesha also pointed to the broader issue of damage caused by heavy-duty vehicles, urging owners and logistics firms to ensure trucks are roadworthy and within height limits. She mentioned that weighbridges would soon be operational at the Old Toll Gate to curb overloading.
“The minimum clearance height is five metres; we even extended it to 5.6 or six metres because of how some drivers behave. This incident is clearly a result of negligence,” she said.
The Lotto Bridge, which was almost complete except for the connecting ramps, was being handled by a new contractor after Julius Berger. The recent damage is expected to delay its opening by several months.
Kesha confirmed the driver responsible had been arrested by police. She said the bridge, meant to ease traffic for commuters heading to Ikorodu, Sagamu, and Mowe, would remain closed until full repairs are done.
“We were close to opening it, but that’s now on hold. Safety comes first. We’ll fix the damage and ensure everything is safe before allowing use,” she concluded, reaffirming the government’s dedication to safeguarding public infrastructure and lives.
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