Eko, Marine bridges open to traffic Monday

Commuters would be allowed to use the Eko and Marine Bridges in Lagos from Monday after the completion of the emergency repairs.

The minister of Works and Housing, Mr Babatunde Fashola in a statement by the Director, Press and Publicity at the ministry, Mrs Boade Akinola, said work would commence immediately on the second phase of the repairs on the Alaka Bound side of the project.

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He said the public would be informed should there be a need for either partial or complete closure during the second phase of the repairs.

“The approval for the reopening of the completed first phase of the repairs on the bridges by midnight on Sunday 18th of October, which was given by the minister on Friday sequel to the report by the contractor handling the projects, Messrs. Buildwell Plant & Equipment Industries Limited that the repair works on the first phase had been completed 100 per cent,” the statement said.

Daily Trust reports that the 1,350-metre Eko bridge, built in phases between 1965 and 1975, linking Lagos Island to the Mainland was closed to traffic in March this year to replace faulty joints and bearings.

“The repair works on the Eko and Marine Bridges is part of the ongoing Federal Government’s Bridge Maintenance Programme which involves the repairs and rehabilitation of over 37 bridges nationwide with a substantial number already completed while others are at different stages of completion,” he said.