Third Mainland Bridge Closure: FRSC, LASTMA Assure Free Flow of Traffic

Emmanuella Igwe

The Lagos State Command of the Federal Road Safety Commission, (FRSC) thursday assured residents of the state of free flow of traffic in spite the temporary closure of the third mainland bridge.

The Sector Commander of FRSC in the state, Mr. Hyginus Omeje, gave the assurance in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).

He said 200 personnel had been deployed in the critical corridors to facilitate free flow of movement of vehicles.
Omeje said the agency was working in synergy with other law enforcement agencies to check gridlock on the road as a result of the ongoing repairs on the bridge.

“We have about 200 FRSC personnel joined with LASTMA, Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and the police.

“All efforts have been put in place to make sure there is free flow of traffic at various alternative routes for motorists.

“The traffic officers have mapped out strategic and alternative routes where the personnel will be positioned to direct the motorists accordingly and ensure their compliance to the traffic rules,” he said.

The FRSC chief said motorists coming from Lagos-Ibadan can use alternative routes to connect Ikorodu-Funso Williams,Western Avenue to Eko Bridge.

“Other alternatives are from Tollgate to Alapare-Ogudu, Iyana Oworo to Gbagada and Anthony then down to Ikorodu road.
“The rest are from Oshodi-Apapa expressway to Orile to Eko bridge or Ijora Olopa,” he said.

According to him, moving out of Lagos Island, motorists can make their way to Adeniji Carter Bridge, Idumagbo down to Oyingbo, then to Herbert Macaulay to Ijora Olopa to Eko bridge.

Omeje advised motorists to make use of Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) and waterways, if they find it not necessary using their personal vehicles.

“If you don’t have anything to do on Island for those four days, you can stay away to avoid gridlocks or make use of BRT and waterways.

“At least, that is even much faster and less stress pressure from Ikorodu to CMS.”

Contributing, the Chief Executive Officer, LASTMA, Mr. Chris Olakpe, also said about 150 LASTMA officials had been drafted to ensure free movement of vehicles during the closure of the bridge.

Olakpe said the personnel were stationed at various critical routes to monitor the movement of the vehicles and give directions to them.

“LASTMA is on top of the game and we are joining forces with other law enforcement agencies to handle the traffic, especially at the Eko Bridge.

“My advice to motorists is that they should adhere to instructions from the officials and drive safely to ensure sanity on the road during the closure of the bridge.

The Lagos State Government announced the temporary closure of the bridge for four days, beginning from midnight of August 23 to midnight of August 26.

It said the development would allow for investigative maintenance test to be carried out before embarking on proper repairs.

The federal government had in July announced plans to shut the bridge but shelved the closure after consulting with the Lagos State Government and other relevant stakeholders.