By Adedapo Adesanya
According to the federal government, Lagos commuters are set to find ease as the Third Mainland Bridge, which has been partially closed to traffic, is set to be reopened to motorists within the next seven days.
This was made known by Mr David Umahi, the Minister of Works, who disclosed this in Lagos while inspecting ongoing projects in the state in the company of members of the Senate and House Committee on Works this weekend.
According to the Minister, the reopening of the bridge will bring reprieve to road users.
The closure of the bridge has created a longer time for commuters in Lagos, the commercial capital is notorious for having the worst traffic jams in the world.
“In the next seven days, the bridge will be opened to ease traffic. I have directed the contractors to open the second lane in my name in seven days’ time.
“Officially, President Bola Tinubu will be commissioning the rehabilitated road when he will be commissioning the coastal road,” Mr Umahi said.
He explained that the 11.8-kilometre dual lanes projects is being handled by the China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCCEC) and was initially awarded at the cost of N21 billion, of which 30 per cent of the cost has been paid.
Mr Umahi, however, stated that there are some additional costs emanating from asphalt which was at N22,000 per square metre, solar light, and CCTV installation, among others. And this extra cost he said the government will pay as it is contractually obtainable.