The Lagos State Government has announced plans to shut down and divert traffic on the Independence/Mekwen Bridge (inbound Marina/CMS route) for emergency repairs. The closure, scheduled to begin on Wednesday, March 19, 2025, and last until Monday, May 26, 2025, was disclosed by the State Commissioner for Transportation, Oluwaseun Osiyemi, on Sunday.
During the repair period, the section of the road from the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) through Bonny Camp Bridge down to Independence Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic. Additionally, the Bonny Camp Underpass Bridge service lane inbound to Independence Bridge will also be unavailable for motorists. However, the service lane from Ahmadu Bello Way to Ozumba Mbadiwe will remain open.
To minimize disruption, the Lagos State Government has outlined alternative routes for motorists:
1. **From Ahmadu Bello Way to Victoria Island**:
Motorists traveling from Ahmadu Bello Way to Victoria Island are advised to use Ozumba Mbadiwe Avenue, proceed to Akin Adesola Street, and then link Falomo Roundabout. From there, they can connect to Obafemi Awolowo Road and access Ring Road to continue their journey.
2. **From Ahmadu Bello Way to 3rd Mainland Bridge**:
Motorists heading to the 3rd Mainland Bridge should take Ozumba Mbadiwe Avenue to Akin Adesola Street, then connect to Alfred Rewane Road and Osborne Road. They can then access Ring Road to reach their destination.
3. **From Ahmadu Bello Way to Inner Marina/CMS**:
Motorists traveling to Inner Marina or CMS from Ahmadu Bello Way will be diverted to Ozumba Mbadiwe Avenue, then to Akin Adesola Street, and onward to Falomo Roundabout. From there, they can link Obafemi Awolowo Road and access J.K. Randle Road or King George V Road to reach their destination.
4. **From Inner Marina/CMS to Ahmadu Bello Way**:
Motorists heading to Ahmadu Bello Way from Inner Marina/CMS will have through-traffic access without diversion.
Commissioner Osiyemi reassured residents that the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) will be deployed to manage traffic flow along the affected routes throughout the repair period. He emphasized that the partial closure is part of the traffic management plan for the rehabilitation of the asphalt pavement, which is being carried out by the Federal Ministry of Works, Office of the Federal Controller, Lagos.
Osiyemi urged motorists to exercise patience and cooperate with traffic officials during the repair period, noting that the project is essential for maintaining the road infrastructure and ensuring safer travel for all road users.
