Federal Government Allays Fears Over Third Mainland Bridge

Following the anxiety being expressed by residents in Lagos State over the Third Mainland Bridge, the Federal Controller of Works in Lagos State, Godwin Eke, has allayed fears over safety of the bridge.

The News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, reports that the government official stated in Lagos on Friday, 27 June, 2014 that the bridge is safe, stable and undergoing routine maintenance.

According to the report, Mr. Eke stated that there was no problem with the expansion joints which he said had earlier been repaired.

The controller said that contract for repair of the abutment of the bridge was awarded in 2012, adding that the contract was ongoing.

He explained that the bridge abutment was being reinforced because of erosion which was wearing its foundation, adding that some roller bearings would also be replaced on the bridge.

“The Third Mainland Bridge is safe and sound, and the repair of the abutment is ongoing,’’ he said.

The controller recalled that the contract for the “Rehabilitation of Lagos Ring Road Abutment and Approach Ramp to the Third Mainland Bridge’’ was awarded to Messrs Borini Poroni on December 17, 2012.

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He said the scope of work included protection of the bridge from erosion around the Lagos Ring Road, adding that the work was to replace some roller bearings and remove bad portions as well as resurface it using hydro demolition technique.

Mr. Eke also explained that the method to be used would not involve total closure of the bridge but partial closure to tackle the problem span by span.

He said the work would be done through the use of hydro demolition technique and concrete jacking.

He said that on the Lagos Ring Road, the rubbers on the expansion joints were also being replaced as part of the project.

The controller revealed that the contract was awarded in December 2012 but actual work began on September 1, 2013, due to budgetary and funding constraints.

He, however, stated that the expected completion date of August 31for the project was not feasible.

Mr. Eke also added that a section of the Eko Bridge had also been rehabilitated using the bridge jacking method, adding that the repairs went unnoticed because traffic was closed for only few hours.