Once again, motorists are voicing their serious apprehensions about the appalling condition of the Third Mainland Bridge, often described as the longest among the three bridges linking Lagos Island with the Mainland.
This 11.8-kilometre engineering marvel spans from the Oworonshoki end of the mainland and extends to the Adeniji Adele Interchange on Lagos Island.
Since its completion in 1990, the Third Mainland Bridge has undergone various rehabilitation efforts, with the most recent occurring on April 2, 2023, led by the Lagos State Government. Although the bridge falls under the jurisdiction of the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency, the state government felt compelled to intervene, primarily due to the severe traffic congestion and the imminent threat to motorists posed by the bridge's deteriorating state.
Despite these recurring interventions, reports about the spread of potholes on the bridge continue to emerge, raising significant concerns among its users. These potholes are conspicuous from the onset of the bridge to its end, with a higher concentration observed around the Obalende to Adekunle stretch. They are also visible when approaching the bridge from Ebute Meta.
On a recent visit to the area, our correspondent witnessed the bridge's deplorable state, causing substantial traffic jams and increased transportation costs along the route.
In response to the growing outcry, the Lagos State Government had initially planned for extensive rehabilitative work on the failing sections of the bridge in September. This rehabilitation was scheduled for two consecutive Sundays, September 17 and 24, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. However, the government later announced the suspension of this vital rehabilitation project.
The decision to postpone the project was attributed to the adverse effects of heavy rainfall experienced across the metropolis. Unfortunately, the state government has not yet communicated a new date for the rehabilitation.
Adding to the chorus of concerns about the bridge's condition, the Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, cautioned against continuously applying layers of asphalt to the bridge. He raised concerns that piling asphalt on the bridge could pose significant dangers, potentially leading to vehicle overturning.
In light of these developments, it is clear that the deteriorating state of the Third Mainland Bridge remains a pressing issue for motorists and government officials alike. Immediate action is required to address the safety and functionality of this critical infrastructure connecting Lagos Island to the Mainland.
