FG begins demolition of Carter Bridge, unveils N548.98bn replacement

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The Federal Government has commenced the demolition of the ageing Carter Bridge in Lagos to make way for a new 1.93km bridge estimated to cost N548.98bn.

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The Minister of Works, David Umahi, said the decision followed repeated technical assessments which established that the existing bridge had deteriorated beyond rehabilitation, particularly its underwater foundations.

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Umahi said assessments conducted in 2013, 2019 and again under the present administration reached the same conclusion on the condition of the structure.

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According to him, the underwater piles and pile caps had suffered severe deterioration, making complete demolition and reconstruction necessary.

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The existing Carter Bridge measures about 1.525km, while the proposed replacement will extend to approximately 1.93km.

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The new structure will also feature a flyover ramp intended to address a major traffic bottleneck around the bridge and improve connectivity between Lagos Island and the mainland.

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The Federal Government said the replacement bridge would have two navigational waterways, each measuring 105 metres.

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The contract was awarded to the China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation following a competitive bidding process involving other major construction companies, including Julius Berger, CCECC, CBC and China Harbour High Tech.

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The Federal Executive Council had earlier approved N5.6bn for advanced engineering consultancy, design and costing for the project before approving the N548.98bn reconstruction contract.

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Carter Bridge has served as a major link between Lagos Island and the mainland for decades and remains an important route for commuters and businesses operating across the two parts of the city.

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However, prolonged exposure to heavy traffic and the marine environment has contributed to the deterioration of the structure, particularly its submerged components.

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The Federal Government said rehabilitation had been considered but was ultimately rejected after technical assessments showed that rebuilding would provide a safer and more sustainable solution.

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The commencement of demolition is expected to affect traffic along the Lagos Island-mainland corridor as construction progresses.

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The government is expected to deploy traffic management measures to minimise disruption to motorists and commuters who rely on the bridge and adjoining routes.

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The replacement project is also expected to improve traffic flow when completed, particularly through the inclusion of the planned flyover.

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The Federal Government has described the reconstruction as part of its broader efforts to replace ageing infrastructure and address structural deficiencies in critical transport links.

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With demolition now underway, the N548.98bn project has entered its construction phase, with its eventual impact on traffic, connectivity and the safety of the Lagos Island-mainland corridor dependent on the timely completion of the new bridge.

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