FG to lift total shutdown of Third Mainland Bridge at midnight

The Federal Government will on Monday 12:00 am-midnight reopen the closed Third Mainland Bridge ahead of schedule.

This was made known to NAN on Sunday in Lagos by the Federal Controller of Works Lagos, Mr. Olukayode Popoola.
He said the contractor was able to fast-track the delicate task they needed to execute hence the early lifting of the total shutdown.

Popoola said that the initially scheduled 72 hours timeframe was achieved within 48 hours.
“We have completed the casting of the three number expansion joints on Third Mainland bridge,” he said.
“Therefore, the bridge shall be opened at 12:00 midnight Sunday 27th December, and no longer Monday 28th December.
“That is 48 hours and no more 72 hours.”

Recall that federal government had on December 22, 2020, announced plans to shut down the third mainland bridge for 72 hours and also partially close the Lagos-Ibadan expressway for needed repairs.

The statement noted that the third mainland bridge will be closed for repairs from midnight of Friday 25th December and will last for three days.
The shutdown has become necessary to allow for casting concrete on additional three expansion joints.

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“There is going to be a total closure of Third Mainland Bridge in order to allow for the casting of three number expansion joints on the Island Bound lane.
”The effective date of the closure will be from 12:00 midnight of 25th of December. So people will be allowed to use the Third Mainland Bridge to celebrate Christmas.
“By the time the Christmas is winding down which is 12:00 midnight, we are going to close it so that we will be able to cast the concrete on Saturday the 26th and 27th we cast again.
”And we need about 72 hours for this concrete to set.

Therefore, the opening will be on the 28th December midnight, that is 72-hour closure.
“This is to prevent vibration of the bridge. If we allow vehicles to be moving on one lane, there is going to be vibrations and the concrete will not set properly,” Popoola had said.

He noted that alternative routes are available to ease traffic congestion and urged road users to make use of available alternatives.

Similarly, Popoola disclosed that the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway will be partially closed for 48 hours from Dec. 28 to Dec. 29 to complete some work on a flyover bridge on the road.