ALERT: FRSC asks motorists to avoid Lagos-Ibadan expressway for alternative routes

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has advised motorists to use alternative routes as the gridlock on the Lagos-Ibadan expressway persists.

In a statement on Sunday, Bisi Kazeem, public education officer of the FRSC, said motorists going into and out of Lagos should explore routes such as Ikorodu through Sagamu and Ijebu-Ode, and Epe for Lagos-bound vehicles.

He urged others, including Ibadan-bound vehicles, to take Abeokuta through the Sagamu interchange.

Kazeem explained that the gridlock was heightened following a road traffic crash (RTC) involving a loaded tanker which occurred in the early hours of Sunday under the Ibafo pedestrian bridge on the outward Lagos section of the expressway. 

While assuring that the FRSC and other relevant agencies were on top of the situation, Kazeem said the content of the fallen tanker had been successfully trans-loaded into another.

He added that the personnel of the Ogun State Fire Service had proceeded to refill their water tank.

“Unfortunately, some inpatient drivers who choose to drive against the flow of traffic from all available exit points have done so, thereby causing traffic jams not only for the outward Lagos section where the RTC occurred alone but also, the inward Lagos section as well,” Kazeem said.

“All road users going into and out of Lagos are therefore advised to explore alternative routes, such as Ikorodu through Sagamu and Ijebu-Ode, and Epe for Lagos-bound vehicles. Some may choose Abeokuta through the Sagamu interchange as well. And vice versa for Ibadan-bound vehicles.”

Last month, Babatunde Fashola, minister of works and housing, assured Nigerians that the Lagos-Ibadan expressway would be completed by April 30.

The ongoing construction on the road has worsened traffic in recent weeks, with motorists plying the route spending hours in gridlocks.