The Federal Government has brought forward the completion timeline for the reconstruction of Lagos’ Carter Bridge, targeting delivery within 24 months instead of the 36 months originally scheduled.
The Minister of Works, Senator Dave Umahi, disclosed this on Monday during an inspection of the ongoing reconstruction projects at Carter Bridge and Iddo Bridge in Lagos.
According to Umahi, the decision to accelerate the Carter Bridge project reflects the strategic importance of the 1.58-kilometre bridge to vehicular movement in Lagos.
The minister said the bridge, which has been in service for more than six decades, had suffered significant structural deterioration following years of inadequate maintenance.
He said an underwater survey found that some of the bridge’s piles had become detached from their pile caps, while rust, scouring and illegal sand mining had further contributed to the deterioration of its foundations.
Umahi said a new design had been completed for the reconstruction, incorporating additional ramps aimed at easing traffic congestion. The redesigned structure will also feature carriageways at different levels and a cable-stayed section to provide adequate clearance for navigation.
The minister said the contractor, China Civil Engineering Construction Company (CCECC), had completed about 15 per cent of preliminary activities, including establishing a project yard and constructing access roads.
He added that piling work was expected to begin before the end of the week.
The project will also include measures to protect the bridge foundations from erosion and scouring, including the installation of gabions.
Umahi ruled out a complete closure of the bridge during the reconstruction, stressing that shutting Carter Bridge would have severe consequences for traffic movement in Lagos.
He said the existing structure would therefore continue to be monitored and maintained while reconstruction progresses.
The minister expressed confidence that the reconstructed bridge would have a significantly longer service life, citing the additional engineering and protective measures incorporated into the new design.
Meanwhile, work is also progressing on the Iddo Bridge. The Federal Controller of Works in Lagos, Olufemi Dare, said three failed spans had been replaced, while drainage and continuously reinforced concrete pavement works were about 90 per cent complete.
Dare said the Iddo Bridge intervention was expected to be completed within two months.
The reconstruction of Carter Bridge is expected to improve traffic movement and strengthen a major transport link in Lagos once completed.
