By Dabira Aderibigbe
In order to accomplish the planned reopening of the 3rd Mainland Bridge on February 22, 2021, the Lagos State Government has announced a two weeks change to the traffic flow that would shift diversion point on the bridge to a closer position for traffic coming from Iyana-Oworonsoki going to Adekunle or Lagos Island.
A statement signed by the Commissioner for Transportation Dr Frederic Oladeinde said the adjustment is to allow for the removal, replacement and casting of 23rd joint in addition to the two other joints (16 and 17) that are presently being worked on by the Federal Ministry of Works contractor.
The planned two weeks temporary traffic flow changes shall be from 12 midnight January 15, 2021 to 12 midnight January 29, 2021.
The current traffic status shall then resume at 00.01 hrs on January 30, 2021.
The Commissioner urged motorists and commuters said there shall be no vehicular access from Iyana Oworosoki to Adekunle axis on the slip road/ramp down on the 3rd Mainland Bridge for the two weeks period (midnight 15th to midnight 29th January, 2021) temporary change restrictions. All traffic from Ogudu, Alapere and Gbagada going to Adekunle axis should use Ikorodu Road, Jibowu and Yaba as alternative routes.
There shall be no access for vehicular movements from the Adekunle axis towards Iyana Oworosoki on 3rd Mainland Bridge between 12 midnight and 1pm (15th to 29th January, 2021). All Iyana Oworosoki bound traffic from Lagos Island, Iddo, Oyingbo, Adekunle and Yaba should use Herbert Macaulay Way, Jibowu and Ikorodu as alternative routes.
The current crossover position on the bridge for Adekunle or Lagos Island bound traffic from Iyana Oworosoki between 12 midnight and 12 noon will now be at a new closer position for two weeks.
The current shared movement of 12 midnight to 12 noon for Lagos Island traffic bound from Iyana Oworosoki shall remain.
The current 1pm to 12 midnight Mainland (Iyana Oworosoki) bound traffic flow from Lagos Island shall remain.
The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) shall continue to ensure the vigorous management of traffic control and enforcement on the 3rd Mainland Bridge and all identified alternative routes in order to ensure an endurable and acceptable traffic movement experience for motorists during these trying periods.
All other previous traffic flow advisory measures announced by the Lagos State Government for the partial closure of the 3rd Mainland Bridge remain the same.
While assuring that the bridge will be opened to traffic flow as soon as possible, the Lagos State Government through this statement appeals to road users along the corridor to drive patiently and follow the traffic advice as any inconvenience this may cause will be temporary.