GRIDLOCK LOOMS AS LAGOS STATE BEGINS 18-WEEK REPAIR OF MAZAMAZA BRIDGE
By Emeka Amaefula
As the bustling Lagos-Badagry Expressway braces for increased strain, commuters and motorists are being urged to rethink their daily routes and prepare for potential gridlock starting next week.
The Lagos State Government has officially kicked off a major rehabilitation effort on the vital Mazamaza Bridge, a key artery connecting Lagos to neighboring regions and facilitating the movement of thousands of vehicles, goods, and people each day. This essential infrastructure, which has long been a lifeline for traders, workers, and residents commuting between the mainland and the Badagry axis, is set to undergo extensive upgrades to address years of wear and tear from heavy traffic and environmental factors.
The project, slated to span a full 18 weeks, will commence on Monday, January 19, 2026, and wrap up by Thursday, May 28, 2026. According to a detailed statement from the Commissioner for Transportation, Mr. Oluwaseun Osiyemi, the focus of the repairs will be on replacing worn-out expansion joints, reinforcing structural elements, and upgrading other critical components to ensure the bridge’s long-term safety, stability, and resilience against future challenges like flooding or seismic activity. Osiyemi emphasized that these enhancements are proactive measures aimed at preventing catastrophic failures that could lead to far greater disruptions or even safety hazards down the line.
While the scope of the work is comprehensive, affecting both the inbound and outbound sections of the carriageway—including service lanes and toll areas—the government has made it clear that a total shutdown is off the table. “We understand the bridge’s indispensable role in daily life and commerce,” Osiyemi noted, assuring the public that partial closures will be implemented in carefully orchestrated stages to keep at least some lanes operational at all times. This approach is designed to minimize the impact on the expressway, which sees an estimated daily traffic volume exceeding 100,000 vehicles, including commercial trucks hauling goods to and from the bustling ports and markets in the area.
To handle the inevitable bottlenecks, traffic management strategies have been meticulously planned. Diversions will leverage the existing toll lanes, the dedicated Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) corridor, and adjacent service roads, adapting dynamically based on the active phase of construction. The rehabilitation will unfold in sequential stages: an initial preparatory phase kicking off in late January to set up safety barriers and equipment; followed by targeted repairs on the Badagry-bound lanes, where crews will focus on joint replacements and surface reinforcements; and concluding with similar work on the Lagos-bound side to balance the load and ensure even wear distribution.
Supporting this effort, teams from the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) will be stationed along the entire corridor, equipped with real-time monitoring tools and communication systems to guide drivers, enforce lane discipline, and respond swiftly to any incidents. Osiyemi highlighted that this deployment is part of a broader commitment to public safety, drawing from lessons learned in previous infrastructure projects like the Third Mainland Bridge repairs, which successfully navigated similar challenges through coordinated enforcement and public awareness campaigns.
In light of the expected delays—potentially adding hours to commute times during peak periods—the commissioner called on all road users to demonstrate patience and cooperation. “Obey traffic signals, follow the instructions of our on-site officials, and consider alternative routes or public transport options where possible,” he advised.
He also encouraged residents to stay informed via official channels, such as the state’s transportation app and social media updates, to track progress and any last-minute adjustments. Ultimately, Osiyemi framed the project as an investment in Lagos’s future, noting that the temporary hardships will pave the way for smoother, safer travels and bolster the city’s economic vitality by reducing long-term maintenance costs and downtime. Motorists are reminded that prioritizing compliance now will help avert more severe issues later, ensuring the Mazamaza Bridge continues to serve as a reliable gateway for generations to come.
—–Emeka Amaefula —–+234(0)8111813069—-
