*The construction works on the bridge have reached the stage for ‘casting concrete on additional three expansion joints; hence, the need to stop all movements that could cause vibrations on the bridge: Federal Controller of Works, Lagos

Emmanuel Akosile | ConsumerConnect

As part of the series of rehabilitation works on the popular Third Mainland Bridge in Lagos State of Nigeria, the Federal Government has announced its plan to shut down a section of the bridge for three days or 72 hours, effective from Friday, January 29 till midnight of Monday, February 1, 2021, for a round of ‘delicate’ expansion joints replacement.

Mr. Olukayode Popoola, Federal Controller of Works, Lagos, who announced this development in a statement Wednesday, said the construction works had reached the stage for “casting concrete on additional three expansion joints; hence, the need to stop all movements on the bridge that could cause vibrations.”

Popoola stated: “Messers Boroni Prono is planning to cast three number expansion joints on Saturday 30th and Sunday 31st.

“This will require total closure of the Third Mainland Bridge from 12:00 midnight of Friday 29th till midnight of Monday 1st February 2021.

“We are sorry for the inconveniences this may cause Lagosians.”

Recall that the Third Mainland Bridge in Lagos, which is going through a series of repairs, was initially shut on July 24, last year, for rehabilitation works and a series of repairs.

He noted the repair is expected to last six months was extended by a month due to the  #EndSARS protests in the cosmopolitan city of Lagos, thereby extending the completion date from January to February 2021.

However, the Babatunde Fashola-led Federal Minister of Works and Housing is said to have assured that the bridge will be fully reopened to traffic by February 15.

The Minister gave the update January 14 during an inspection of construction work on major roads and bridges in the state.