Traffic Disruption Looms as Lagos Begins Urgent Repairs on Eko Bridge

Traffic Disruption Looms as Lagos Begins Urgent Repairs on Eko Bridge

The Lagos State Government has announced the indefinite closure of the outbound carriageway of Eko Bridge leading to Lagos Island following urgent safety concerns and ongoing structural investigations on the bridge.

The emergency closure, scheduled to commence on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, was confirmed by the Lagos State Commissioner for Transportation, Oluwaseun Osiyemi, in a statement issued on Sunday.

According to the government, the closure became necessary to enable engineers carry out detailed integrity tests, safety investigations, and immediate rehabilitation works on critical sections of the bridge identified as structurally defective.

The latest development is expected to significantly affect vehicular movement around major Lagos corridors, including Apongbon, Ijora Olopa, Costain, Ebute Ero, and other adjoining areas that rely heavily on the bridge for daily transportation.

The state government clarified that only the outbound lane heading toward Lagos Island would be shut down, while the inward Lagos Island carriageway would remain open to motorists throughout the repair period.

Motorists and commercial transport operators have been advised to use alternative routes, especially the Third Mainland Bridge, to access their destinations and reduce traffic congestion around the affected corridor.

Osiyemi assured residents that traffic management and security officials would be deployed across strategic points to minimise gridlock and assist commuters during the closure.

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“Adequate traffic and security personnel will be deployed along alternative routes to guide motorists and ensure smooth traffic flow,” the commissioner stated.

The emergency closure followed earlier concerns raised by the Federal Government over the structural condition of the bridge after engineers reportedly discovered serious defects during technical inspections.

Minister of Works, David Umahi, had earlier disclosed that five supporting piles on a section of the bridge were damaged, creating serious safety risks for road users.

Umahi explained that urgent intervention became necessary to prevent further deterioration of the structure and safeguard commuters using one of Lagos’ busiest transport routes.

The minister had directed that the affected carriageway be shut to allow contractors conduct emergency repairs and reinforcement works on weakened portions of the bridge.

The rehabilitation project is expected to involve extensive structural assessments, reinforcement of weak sections, replacement of damaged components, resurfacing works, and other engineering procedures aimed at extending the lifespan of the bridge.

The closure is likely to worsen traffic congestion across Lagos Island and mainland routes during peak hours as thousands of motorists seek alternative roads.

Officials of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) and other security agencies are expected to intensify traffic control operations around the affected areas to ease vehicular movement.

Residents and commuters have been urged to cooperate with traffic officials and exercise patience throughout the rehabilitation exercise.

The Eko Bridge rehabilitation forms part of ongoing efforts by both the Lagos State Government and the Federal Ministry of Works to restore aging infrastructure and improve road safety across the state.

Authorities said further updates regarding the progress of the repairs and possible reopening timeline would be communicated to the public in due course.

Traffic Disruption Looms as Lagos Begins Urgent Repairs on Eko Bridge