Just when you think that Lagos traffic can not get any worse, the government surprises us in one way or the other. For constant users of the Eko Bridge, here is the alert you have been waiting for. It should be noted that since September 16, the Eko Bridge is being closed for eight weeks for the repair by Lagos State government. Oh yes you did read that correctly. Eight. Weeks. It all for repairs, and while we know it necessary, it going to be a long two months of detours, delays, and let face it major frustration.
The bridge is one of the busiest routes for those commuting between the Mainland and the Island, so expect your usual routes to get a lot more crowded. The government says it is for safety reasons—there are some structural repairs needed on the expansion joints of the bridge. Better to fix it now than risk bigger problems later, right?
What Does This Mean for Commuters?
For those of us who can't avoid the Island-Mainland commute, prepare to adjust your schedules and check out alternative routes. You’ll definitely want to leave the house earlier if you want any chance of avoiding standstill traffic. The closure affects both lanes of the bridge, so options like the Third Mainland Bridge or Carter Bridge are likely to become your best friends—although they’ll probably feel more like frenemies with the extra load of vehicles.
Also, expect some chaos, especially in the first few days as drivers scramble to figure out the best alternatives. It’s going to be messy, so plan accordingly.
When Will It End?
The plan is for the repairs to wrap up in eight weeks, but let’s be real construction timelines don’t always go as planned. Fingers crossed that it sticks to schedule, but I wouldn’t hold my breath.