Works Minister Says 3rd Mainland Bridge‘ll Be Closed Nov 1 To Allow 3- Month ‘Repair Work’
Minister of Works, Mr. David Umahi, has disclosed that the 3rd Mainland Bridge in Lagos state will be closed next month to allow a comprehensive rehabilitation.
The 11.8-kilometer Bridge would be closed on November 1 and the ‘repair work’ would last for three months.
Team@orientactualmags.com learned that Umahi said this on Saturday while inspecting the under deck, lagoon sections of the Third Mainland Bridge, and other bridges.
The minister, who was accompanied by a team of engineers, directors of the Federal Ministry of Works, and journalists inspected the lagoon sections of the Third Mainland, Carter, Independence, and Falomo Bridges.
They were also at the deteriorating Marina shoreline, the failing portions of the Five Cowries Bridge located inside Zone Two Police Headquarters in Onikan, Ijora Bridge, and the Marina Bridge in Apapa.
Umahi noted that the entire stretch of the Third Mainland Bridge would undergo total resurfacing with minimal discomfort to road users, adding that the ‘repair work’ would be carried out during the weekend in the night-time hours.
The minister added that he inspected the top surface of the bridge on Friday before embarking on an inspection of the Lagoon portions.
He also noted that fixing various sections of the top surface of the bridge had led to undulating surfacing, saying it was not healthy for its safety, hence the need to remove and relay the entire asphaltic covering.
Umahi added that the maintenance of the aesthetics would include the replacement of the railings and the installation of solar-powered street lights and CCTV cameras for optimal bridge security.
He, however, assured that the three-month repair work would be without discomfort to the road users, saying, it would take place between midnight and 4.00 a.m. and during weekends.
He disclosed also that more than one contractor would be engaged due to the emergency nature of the work, which would end in Phase Four; adding that deflected slabs, bearings, piers, and pile caps would be repaired.
He also noted that most of the bridges are about 60 years old and had outlived their design lifespan, hence the need for regular rehabilitation.
Umahi, who is a civil engineer, said the Marina Shoreline had deteriorated and now threatening the foundation of some parts of the Blue Rail Line, hence the need for urgent protection that had since begun.
‘Marina shoreline is gone’ he said.
The minister warned that henceforth a 10-year maintenance responsibility would be attached to projects for contractors to bear repair costs within the period if the road fails.
He added that contractors who constructed roads that failed within two years risked jail terms in line with global practices in order to curb shoddy jobs-Team@orientactualmags.com
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