The federal government of Nigeria has sanctioned a maintenance budget of over 6,2 billion Naira for the Third Mainland Bridge in Lagos.
The Minister of Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola, disclosed the news following the weekly meeting of the federal executive council. He explained that the restorations will span several kilometres and include interchanges, ramps, and links.
The former governor of Lagos State stated that the State’s Public Works Corporation will focus on the bridge’s functional structure, such as the underwater piles, while the federal government will address potholes and replace missing guard rails.
He stated, “Council approved a new contract for the maintenance of the third mainland bridge’s pavement in the amount of N6.28 billion for a period of 24 months. This action is consistent with Executive Order 11, which emphasises the importance of maintaining public infrastructure. On multiple occasions, I’ve been inquired about previous bridge maintenance. The works are primarily focused on the bridge’s substructure, including the underwater piles, pile covers, and the replacement of expansion joints and bearings.
Additionally, he stated, “These repairs are crucial to the structural integrity of the bridge. What we are currently dealing with is distinct. It consists of both the driving surface and the aesthetics. Several of the rails were taken. Some of the pleats are misaligned at the bridge’s entry and exit points.”
Fashola guaranteed that there will be no lengthy disruptions during the maintenance.
This sanction was granted less than two weeks after the Lagos State Government announced that it would begin rehabilitation work on the 32-year-old Bridge in order to repair its failed and peeled asphaltic sections and substructure.
In addition, the government has approved the procurement of 495 million Naira worth of baggage scanners to improve security at railway stations across the country.
