FG calls for patience over Lagos-Ibadan road gridlock, says Kara-OPIC axis open to traffic

The federal government says the construction work within the Kara Bridge-Long Bridge axis of the Lagos-Ibadan expressway has been completed.

According to a statement released on Saturday by Hakeem Bello, media aide to Babatunde Fashola, minister of works, the axis would be opened to traffic on Sunday.

Earlier this month, Fashola had assured 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.

Speaking on the situation, the minister said although “a combination of factors” hindered the completion of the expressway before the promised date, work had been wrapped up on some sections of the road.

Fashola appealed for the understanding of motorists, adding that the ministry is working alongside the Lagos state government to ease the situation.

“As the reconstruction work on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway enters its final phase, the Federal Government has appealed for patience and understanding of motorists on account of the heavy traffic being experienced on the stretch from Toll Gate to Kara Bridge in Lagos,” the statement reads.

“According to the Minister, the intensity of work and the high volume of traffic which had to be accommodated at the same time have been complicated by impatience on the part of some motorists who drive against the planned traffic flow and breakdown of vehicles.

“He however noted that the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing is working with the Lagos State Government, all traffic management and security agencies to minimize the discomfort of motorists.

“The Minister also explained that the contractors are also being encouraged to ensure that the final challenging phase of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway reconstruction work is concluded as soon as possible.

“While noting that the earlier envisaged April 30 date for the conclusion of the final stretch could not be achieved due to a combination of factors, work within the OPIC area between Kara Bridge and the Long Bridge has been completed and would be opened to traffic tomorrow, Sunday (April 30). This means that the main carriageway, both bounds, from Berger (New Garage) and Sagamu Inter-change on Section 1 of the Project has been completed.

“All attention, according to the Minister, would now be focused on the outstanding work between Otedola Bridge and Berger (both bounds).”