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The Nigerian government, through the Ministry of Works, on Thursday announced a six-week partial closure of the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway to carry out repairs on expansion joints at Kara Bridge, Magboro Bridge, and the Arepo–Punch Bridge.
The ministry said it approved the closure to resume critical rehabilitation works on the Lagos-bound section of the Kara Bridge, which had been suspended due to prolonged traffic congestion.
Speaking at Kara Bridge, the Federal Controller of Works in Ogun State, Michael Komolafe, apologised to motorists for the inconvenience and assured them that authorities would deploy improved traffic management measures to ensure durable and efficient repairs.
Komolafe explained that the expansion joints on the affected bridges had deteriorated significantly, posing safety risks and increasing the likelihood of accidents.
He hinted that the Minister of Works, David Umahi, directed the immediate resumption of the repair works.
He disclosed that contractors had completed repairs on half of the Lagos-bound sections of the Magboro and Arepo–Punch bridges, while work would now proceed on the remaining sections along the Ibadan-bound carriageway.
Explaining the scope of the project, the contractor and general manager of CBC Construction Company, Andy Duan, said the repairs would last six weeks.
He noted that equipment mobilisation would be completed over the weekend, with full construction set to begin on Monday.
Duan said workers had already completed parts of the expansion joints at Magboro and Arepo–Punch bridges, as well as half of the Lagos-bound section at Kara Bridge.
“At Kara Bridge, we have completed half of the work and will now handle the remaining section,” he said. “We suspended work earlier to minimise traffic disruption, but the Ministry of Works has now instructed us to resolve the issue.
“The expansion joint at Kara Bridge is in very poor condition and has frequently caused accidents. Before creating diversions, we will install barriers, traffic signs, warning lights, and other safety measures to protect road users and workers.
“We plan to start fully on Monday. We expect to complete half of each expansion joint within a week. On the Ibadan-bound side, covering three bridges, we will phase the work so that each bridge takes about one week.”
Meanwhile, the Lagos State Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps, Kehinde Hamzat, assured motorists that agencies had put measures in place to ensure smooth traffic flow during the construction period.
He warned drivers against driving against traffic, stressing that offenders would face sanctions.
Hamzat said reports of failing expansion joints, which had caused potholes and crashes—especially at Kara Bridge—necessitated the repairs.
He urged motorists to cooperate and remain patient, describing the partial closure as essential to improving road safety and infrastructure.
