FG orders reopening of Independence Bridge in Lagos after hours of gridlock

David Umahi, minister of works, has ordered the immediate reopening of the Independence Bridge on Victoria Island, Lagos.

On Monday, Olukorede Kesha, federal controller of works in Lagos, announced the closure of the bridge for essential maintenance and rehabilitation works.

Kesha said the bridge would remain closed until the end of May.

The works controller said the closure will affect traffic from Ahmadu Bello way and Adeola Odeku towards Marina, Eko Bridge, and Onikan by Zone 2.

However, the closure caused a gridlock which saw many motorists on the route stuck in traffic for over four hours.

NAN reports that the minister gave the directive in a statement issued by Kesha on Wednesday evening.

Umahi said necessary repair works on the bridge would be carried out later.

He added that palliative works are underway to ensure that the bridge would be motorable.

The minister said he regretted inconveniences caused to the motoring public by the closure and appealed for understanding and cooperation.