*Seyi Martins, Acting Controller of Works, in Anambra State, says the Federal Government is determined to ensure that travellers enjoy stress-free motoring over the River Niger during the coming Yuletide

Isola Moses | ConsumerConnect

Determined to ensure that travellers enjoy stress-free motoring over the new road infrastructure, the Federal Government has said the 2nd Niger Bridge being constructed in South-East Nigeria will be ready for use by Christmas 2022.

Mr. Seyi Martins, Acting Controller of Works, in Anambra State, disclosed this development in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria, in Awka, the state capital.

Martins said that the first phase of the 2nd Niger Bridge, measuring 1.6km, had reached 95 percent completion.

The Controller of Works said contrary to the news making the rounds that the project would be ready by 2024, he restated that the projects would be ready for use for travellers during the approaching Yuletide this year.

He also noted President Muhammadu Buhari administration is determined to ensure that travellers enjoy stress-free motoring over the River Niger.

Martins stressed the motorists would not be subjected to gridlock being experienced on the existing bridge during Christmas this year.

He further assured that “the first phase of the project, which was the bridge itself, is substantially completed.

“The bridge project is 95 per cent completed and it is expected to be ready by December 2022.”

The Controller said that the steel guard rails were complete, the roads are set for vehicle traffic; the toll plaza area is almost completed, and what is left is the installation of toll booth canopies.”

He as well noted that the new bridge could be accessed from the interchange at Obosi on the Onitsha-Owerri Road.

Martins said  that a road was being constructed to connect traffic on the Asaba-Benin Expressway to it, pending the completion of the second phase of the project.

He stated: “The second phase of the project is yet to commence, but the government has deemed it fit that upon completion of the first phase, it will be opened to traffic.

“At the Onitsha end, there is an interchange at Obosi along the Onitsha – Owerri highway where you can access the bridge.”

The Controller of Works added: “On the Asaba end, there is a link road we are constructing to enable travellers to access the bridge from Benin-Onitsha road.”