Reinforcement ongoing for damaged third mainland bridge piles, says Obioha

Bede Obioha, director of highway, bridges and design at the federal ministry of works, says studies have revealed structural damage to the third mainland bridge, prompting ongoing reinforcement efforts.

BACKGROUND

The bridge, a key link between Lagos Island and the mainland, has undergone multiple closures in recent years for maintenance and repairs.

In November 2023, the Lagos state government announced a five-week closure of sections of the bridge to carry out repairs on ramps connecting Oworonshoki to Adekunle and Lagos Island.

By January 2024, the federal government ordered the closure of the Iyana Oworonshoki-Adeniji Adele section to allow for comprehensive rehabilitation work.

In February 2024, there was a 24-hour total closure of the bridge to enable contractors to execute major repair works.

Despite the repairs, concerns about the structural integrity of the bridge have persisted.

On January 17, 2025, David Umahi, minister of works, dismissed claims that the bridge was defective and jerky.

In a statement by Uchenna Orji, his special adviser on media, Umahi described the allegations as “baseless,” affirming that the bridge’s integrity remains intact.

STUDIES REVEAL DETERIORATION

Speaking at the Lagos-Calabar coastal highway stakeholders’ meeting on Sunday, Obioha said the bridge has been closed to heavy-duty traffic due to the deterioration of its structural components.

He noted that since its construction, no major repairs have been carried out, aside from palliative measures.

“In 2013, a study was conducted on some of the piles, and what we saw was mind-boggling,” he said.

“In 2019, another study was conducted, covering the entire bridge structure, and based on those findings, we engaged divers to assess over 1,000 remaining piles.”

Obioha said while the study is ongoing, solutions have already been developed based on findings from 2013 and 2019.

“The solution may be technical, but we are already on top of it,” he added.

“We are bringing in the best hands internationally to address the issue.”

He added that the reinforcement efforts include adding a new layer of concrete and a casing around the affected piles to ensure the bridge’s stability for another 50 to 100 years.