Government reroutes Lagos-Ibadan highway traffic to facilitate maintenance work on Kara bridge

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The Federal Ministry of Works has issued a travel advisory for motorists following plans to replace damaged expansion joints on the Kara Bridge, outbound Lagos.

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According to Channels TV on Saturday, in a statement signed by the Federal Controller of Works in Ogun State, Olayiwola Komolafe, the maintenance work is scheduled to begin Tuesday, March 10, 2026, and is expected to last approximately two weeks, concluding on March 24, 2026.

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To ease traffic congestion during the repair period, the Ministry advised motorists to use alternative routes.

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Drivers heading from “Ikorodu to Mowe, Sagamu, and Ibadan” are encouraged to pass through “Shimawa or Mosinmi, while those travelling from Lagos Island can take the Epe corridor via Ijebu Ode to reach Sagamu, Ibadan, or Mowe.”

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The statement cautioned that “ a shorter route may not necessarily be the fastest, and they are advised to plan their journeys early, obey traffic management directives, and drive cautiously around the work zone

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“The Federal Ministry of Works regrets any inconvenience this temporary partial closure may cause and appreciates the understanding and cooperation of the motoring public as the Ministry continues its efforts to ensure the safety, durability, and stability of the nation’s road infrastructure”, the statement added.

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PUNCH Online in February had reported that the Federal Ministry of Works announced a six-week partial closure of the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway to carry out urgent repairs on expansion joints at Kara Bridge, Magboro Bridge, and Arepo–Punch Bridge.

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The ministry said the closure became necessary to resume critical rehabilitation works that were previously suspended on the Lagos-bound section of Kara Bridge after public complaints about prolonged traffic congestion.

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The Ogun State Federal Controller of Works, Michael Komolafe, apologised to motorists for the inconvenience and assured them that improved traffic management arrangements would be implemented to ensure swift and durable repairs.

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Komolafe explained that the expansion joints on the three bridges had deteriorated significantly, posing safety risks and contributing to crashes.

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