The bridge was initially shut on Monday for essential maintenance, with plans for it to remain closed until the end of May. However, the closure led to a gridlock, leaving motorists stuck for over four hours.
Minister of Works, David Umahi, has directed the immediate reopening of the Independence Bridge on Victoria Island, Lagos, following heavy gridlock caused by its closure.
On Monday, Olukorede Kesha, the Federal Controller of Works in Lagos, announced the bridge’s closure for essential maintenance, stating it would remain shut until the end of May. The closure affected traffic from Ahmadu Bello Way and Adeola Odeku towards Marina, Eko Bridge, and Onikan.
However, the shutdown led to severe congestion, with motorists stranded for over four hours. In response, Umahi issued a directive on Wednesday evening for the bridge to be reopened immediately.
Kesha, in a statement, confirmed that while the bridge remains open for now, necessary repairs will be carried out later. Umahi also assured that palliative works would be undertaken to keep the bridge motorable.
The minister apologized for the inconvenience and urged public cooperation during upcoming maintenance efforts.