Tanker explosion: Lagos bridge remains closed as repair work begins

Following last week’s tanker explosion along the Oshodi-Apapa Expressway in Lagos, the Apakun/Airport Bridge affected by the inferno has remained closed as the state government commenced work on it and other adjoining roads on Monday.

A tanker loaded with 40,000 litres of petroleum collided with a trailer resulting in an explosion which impeded movement on the expressway.

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The bridge was later closed down to enable the authorities conduct integrity tests on it before it would be reopened.

Work, however, commenced yesterday with the government appealing to motorists to cooperate with the contractor.

The Commissioner for Transportation, Frederic Oladeinde, also asked motorists to make use of alternative routes pending the outcome of the tests and reopening of the bridge.

According to him, motorists from Mile 2 to Cele on Apapa-Oshodi Expressway, approaching Iyana-Isolo through Daleko Bridge, will need to make use of Aiye and Osolo way to Asa Afariogun through 7&8 to access International Airport Road.

“Motorists from Toyota will make use of the service lanes by Armed Forces Resettlement Centre to BOC Gases on old NAFDAC Headquarters, through a U-turn at Cappa on Agege Motor Road to Bolade/ Oyetayo Street (Oshodi-Isolo Local Govt Secretariat) through Bolade on Apapa-Oshodi Expressway via Charity in order to reach International Airport Road,” he said.

He added that motorists from Bus Terminal 2 Transport Interchange inwards Charity on Apapa -Oshodi Expressway can connect International Airport Road from Toyota through Anthony Oke to Ikorodu Road on the service lanes and return via Anthony Oke inwards Oshodi Oke to Charity and connect International Airport Road.

Oladeinde said the state traffic management officials (LASTMA) would be deployed to the aforementioned corridors to control and manage traffic flow along the axis during the course of the diversions.

“The LASG is assuring the motoring public that the Airport Bridge shall be opened for use as soon as the tests or requisite intervention makes it safe and secure to do so,” he said.