Again, FG to shut Third Mainland Bridge for 72 hours

Kayode Popoola, the federal controller of works in Lagos, has announced a three-day closure of the Third Mainland Bridge for another round of expansion joints replacement.

This is the second time the bridge would be closed to traffic for 72 hours, within the past two months.

Speaking in an interview with NAN on Wednesday, he said the 72-hour closure would take effect from the midnight of January 29, till 12am on February 1, 2021.

On December 22, 2020, Popoola had announced a 72-hour closure of the bridge from midnight of December 25, 2020, in order to enable contractors cast concrete on the expansion joints and prevent vibration of the bridge when opened for use.

The rehabilitation works done on the bridge are part of the periodic maintenance, which was also carried out in 2008, 2012 and 2018.

He explained that construction works had reached the stage for casting concrete on three additional expansion joints, hence, the need to stop all movements on the bridge that could cause vibrations.

Popoola said the 72-hour closure was to ensure that concrete casting sets properly.

He appealed for the understanding of Lagos residents, adding that such measure was necessary for the safety of road users.

“Messers Boroni Prono is planning to cast three number expansion joints on Saturday, 30th and Sunday, 31st,” Popoola said.

“This will require total closure of Third Mainland Bridge from 12 midnight of Friday 29th till midnight of Monday, 1st February, 2021.

“We are sorry for the inconveniences this may cause Lagosians.”

Recent rehabilitation works on the bridge commenced in July 2020.