The temporary closure of the 11.8-kilometre Third Mainland Bridge in Lagos meant to allow investigative maintenance test on the infrastructure is to begin by midnight of Thursday.

For this reason, the Federal Controller of Works in the state, Mr. Adedamola Kuti says the bridge will be closed to traffic on Friday 24, Saturday 25 and Sunday 26 of August 2018.

Kuti disclosed that, effective from 12 midnight of Thursday August 23, the bridge will be closed to both pedestrians and motorists while it will be reopened by12:00 midnight of August 26, 2018.

He however warned motorists, comprising commercial and private vehicle owners to make use of alternative routes provided during the three-day closure of the bridge to ensure free movement of traffic in Lagos metropolis.

“This is the time we can carry out the exercise, because after September, traffic in Lagos will be difficult to manage, since end of the year festivities would continue.

“Besides, we want to assure Nigerians that we are working tirelessly to bring sanity to Apapa-Oshodi Expressway. We will do everything possible to complete the work on schedule,” Kuti said.

On travel advisory on Third Mainland Bridge closure provided by the Lagos State Government through the State Traffic Management Agency (LASTMA), Kuti enjoined motorists to make use of alternative routes.

“Ikorodu – from Ketu-Ojota to Fadeyi, motorists are urged to go through Funsho Williams Avenue to Apongbon /CMS. They can also make use of Jibowu / Murtala Mohammed Way to Oyingbo /Iddo/Carter Bridge.

“Also, motorists from Gbagada Expressway from Berger or Ketu -Ojota Bridge /Ogudu Expressway to Anthony can link Ikorodu Road and continue their journey as stated above,” he added.

Justifying the need for the investigative maintenance test and temporary closure of the bridge recently, Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Fashola said the Federal Government was torn between maintenance, safety and people’s convenience, adding that the first three days would be for investigative work to be conducted to assess the current condition of the bridge.