FG closes Ijora-Olopa bridge as theft causes damage

The federal government has ordered the immediate closure of Ijora-Olopa bridge in Lagos following the failure of a section of the structure.

The failure of the section of the bridge was attributed to theft by some miscreants who tampered with its major reinforcement elements.

In a statement on Wednesday, Hakeem Bello, spokesperson to Babatunde Fashola, minister of works and housing, said the federal government was working with the state to ensure motorists freely access alternative routes.

Bello said roads leading directly to the bridge such as Costain inward Eko bridge and Carter bridge descent inward Ijora Oloye have been closed.

“The federal controller of works in Lagos has also issued the following traffic advisory to ensure that motorists and other members of the commuting public are able to use alternative routes,” the statement reads.

“From Eko bridge motorists should take Iganmu/ Sifax to Ijora Oloye or Apapa.

“From Iddo to Ijora-Oloye/ Apapa, traffic will be diverted at the intersection underpass at Ijora Olopa on contraflow, and reconnected at the U-turn to Ijora-Oloye or Apapa.

“It would be recalled that the Hon. minister of works and housing has on several occasions asked illegal squatters occupying Lagos under-bridges to quit as fire incidents and other illegal activities underneath such bridges often result in extensive damage of the vital infrastructure constructed with the nation’s scarce resources.”