Motorists traversing the Oworoshoki-Ketu Expressway in Lagos State faced significant delays over the weekend, enduring several hours of traffic jams due to essential repair work on the Oworonshoki-Ifako bridge.
On Saturday, a partial lane closure left drivers with just one lane to navigate, resulting in a frustrating backlog of vehicles and excruciatingly slow movement. Many commuters were seen opting to trek on foot in an effort to bypass the extensive gridlock, which persisted for about three hours. This frustrating trend continued on Sunday, with drivers again trapped in prolonged delays as repairs continued.
One motorist expressed how a journey that usually takes less than five minutes from Gbagada Expressway to Alapere was extended to over an hour due to the detours. This raises serious concerns about what will happen during the busy workweek.
Responding to these challenges, the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) insisted that the ongoing repairs are critical for the long-term stability and safety of the bridge. LASTMA spokesperson Adebayo Taofiq reassured motorists that the repair work, expected to last 101 days, is being managed efficiently.
He noted that despite the reduced lane availability, traffic flow beyond the Ifako area remains relatively smooth due to proactive management by LASTMA personnel. Taofiq called on road users to maintain civility while traversing the area and to avoid behaviors that could exacerbate the traffic woes.
He strongly urged all motorists to explore alternative routes during this rehabilitation period. The project is slated to be completed by early October 2025, with specific timelines for different sections of work clearly outlined.
Taking these proactive steps now will greatly ease the burden of this necessary construction and help everyone get to their destinations more efficiently.
