The Lagos State Government has increased the deployment of traffic officers to the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway in response to a severe traffic gridlock that left thousands of motorists and commuters stranded for over 12 hours.
The congestion affected key areas of the expressway, including Kara Bridge, Long Bridge, Magboro, and Berger, and was triggered by a combination of a fallen truck, ongoing construction work, and multiple road accidents.
Authorities have urged motorists to remain patient as efforts are underway to restore normal traffic flow. According to Olawale Musa, Permanent Secretary of the Lagos State Ministry of Transportation, the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has already cleared the fallen truck from the roadway.
However, the situation was exacerbated by drivers who drove against traffic in an attempt to bypass the jam.
To further ease congestion, additional traffic officers have been deployed along the affected corridors. Musa noted that the ministry is collaborating with relevant agencies, including the Lagos and Ogun State Police Commands, Ogun State Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Corps (TRACE), and LASTMA, to mitigate the gridlock.
He explained that ongoing rehabilitation at Kara Bridge may cause temporary inconvenience but emphasized that the repairs are essential for the long-term safety and functionality of the bridge and surrounding roads. Musa assured that the rehabilitation work would be completed soon.
LASTMA General Manager Olalekan Bakare-Oki added that agency officers are working around the clock to improve traffic conditions. He appealed to drivers to remain patient and avoid driving against traffic, especially during obstructions, and encouraged motorists to use alternative routes to ease pressure on the Kara Bridge corridor.
Recommended alternative routes include the Ikorodu Garage-Ogijo-Sagamu route through Lotto to reconnect to the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, the Lagos-Abeokuta Expressway for those traveling towards Lagos, and the Ikorodu-Ijebu-Ode route for motorists heading to Ijebu-Ode. Bakare-Oki advised road users to plan their journeys, familiarize themselves with alternative routes, and comply with instructions from authorized traffic officers.
The state government emphasized that these measures are designed to alleviate pressure on affected routes and ensure smoother vehicular movement.
