The Lagos State Government has announced a 90-day traffic diversion for motorists on the Odo Iya Alaro Bridge, set to begin on Monday, July 22, 2024. This measure comes in response to the deteriorating condition of the asphalt pavement and expansion joints on the bridge.
In a statement released on Thursday, July 18, 2024, the Commissioner for Transportation, Mr. Oluwaseun Osiyemi, detailed the diversion plan which will unfold in two phases: the Ojota-bound lane and the Yaba/Ojuelegba/Maryland-bound lane. Alternative routes have been established for each phase of the repair work.
Phase One:
Diversion Routes:
- Motorists heading to Ojota from Maryland/Yaba will use a counter flow on the lane inbound Maryland.
- Motorists heading to Yaba from Ojota will continue on the same lane.
Alternative Routes:
- Motorists from Berger, Magodo, and Tollgate along Lagos-Ibadan Expressway should use the Alapere/Ogudu axis towards Gbagada/Anthony Oke Bridge, then descend the ramp to access Ikorodu Road.
- Motorists from Ikeja, Oregun, and Kudirat Abiola Way should use the Opebi Link Bridge to connect Mobolaji Bank Anthony Way, then proceed through Sheraton to Maryland and Ikorodu Road.
- Motorists from Jibowu should use the Ikorodu Road Service lane by Mobil Fuel Station/Bertola Engineering Equipment Company to access Gbagada/Ogudu.
- If the turning is missed, motorists can use Theodolite to link Anthony Oke Ramp and rejoin Ikorodu Road, accessing Town Planning Way towards Gbagada/Ogudu/Alapere.
- Motorists from Jibowu heading to Ikeja, Magodo, Berger, and Lagos Ibadan Expressway can use Maryland to connect Mobolaji Bank Anthony, then proceed via Sheraton/Opebi to Allen Avenue/Obafemi Awolowo Way, accessing Nurudeen Olowopopo Road.
- Alternatively, after the Opebi Link Bridge, motorists can use Kudirat Abiola Way to access Ikosi Road, then Mobolaji Johnson Avenue/7up to connect Nurudeen Olowopopo Road.
Phase Two:
Diversion Routes:
- Motorists inward Maryland/Yaba from Ojota will be diverted into a counter flow on the lane inbound Ojota.
- Motorists from Maryland will continue their journey on the same lane.
Alternative Routes:
- Motorists from Berger, Magodo, and Toll Gate can use Alapere towards Gbagada to link the Anthony Oke Ramp, then connect Ikorodu Road.
- Motorists coming from Ikorodu/Ketu can utilize the Ojota Ramp Bridge to link Alapere.
- Motorists from Ikeja, Oregun, and Kudirat Abiola Way should use the Opebi Link Bridge towards Mobolaji Bank Anthony/Sheraton, exiting at Maryland to access Ikorodu Road.
The aforementioned alternative routes for motorists heading to Ikeja, Magodo, Berger, and Lagos-Ibadan Expressway from Jibowu during the first phase will also be applicable during the second phase of the repairs.
Public Appeal
Commissioner Osiyemi has appealed to the public to cooperate with the interventions during the repair period. He assured that traffic management personnel would be deployed to ensure a smooth traffic flow.
“We understand the inconvenience this may cause and appreciate the public’s patience and cooperation as we work to improve our infrastructure for a safer and more efficient transportation system,” Osiyemi concluded.