Millions of commuters, transporters and businesses along the Lagos–Ibadan corridor are bracing for weeks of prolonged traffic delays as the Federal Government begins a six-week partial closure of the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway for repairs on Kara, Magboro and Arepo–Punch bridges.
The closure, announced by the Federal Ministry of Works, is aimed at fixing failed expansion joints on the bridges, but road users are expected to bear the immediate burden in the form of longer travel times, increased transport costs and heightened pressure on alternative routes.
According to the ministry, rehabilitation work on the Lagos-bound section of Kara Bridge had earlier been suspended after motorists complained of severe gridlock. However, the deteriorated state of the expansion joints has now made the repairs unavoidable, with officials warning that continued delay could expose commuters to serious safety risks, including road crashes.
Speaking to journalists at Kara Bridge, the Ogun State Federal Controller of Works, Michael Komolafe, acknowledged that the closure would cause inconvenience, particularly for daily commuters who rely on the expressway for work and business activities between Lagos and Ogun states.
“The expansion joints on these bridges have failed significantly. This affects driving comfort and safety and has contributed to accidents on the road,” Komolafe said, apologising to motorists for the hardship the closure would cause. He added that the Minister of Works, David Umahi, had ordered the repairs to be carried out urgently to prevent further deterioration.
For residents of border communities such as Magboro, Arepo and Berger, the repairs are expected to worsen already notorious rush-hour congestion, while commercial drivers warn that fuel consumption and operating costs could rise as vehicles spend longer hours in traffic. Transport operators also fear that delays could translate into higher fares for passengers and increased prices of goods moved through the busy corridor.
The project contractor, Andy Duan of CBC Construction Company, said the six-week timeline was necessary to ensure the work is done properly. He noted that construction would be carried out in phases, particularly on Kara Bridge, to limit total shutdown, and promised that safety features such as barriers, warning signs and lights would be installed before traffic diversions begin.
While parts of the Lagos-bound sections of Magboro and Arepo–Punch bridges have already been completed, repairs on the remaining sections — including the Ibadan-bound lanes — will now proceed during the closure, further stretching motorists’ patience.
The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has warned that the traffic situation could deteriorate if motorists disregard traffic rules. Lagos State Sector Commander of the FRSC, Kehinde Hamzat, said traffic control measures have been put in place but stressed that cooperation from road users is crucial.
He cautioned against driving against traffic, noting that offenders would be sanctioned, and appealed to commuters to exercise patience, even as many face longer commutes and lost productive hours.
Despite the expected hardship, authorities insist the temporary disruption is necessary to prevent more severe consequences in the future. Once completed, the repairs are expected to improve safety, reduce vehicle damage and lower accident risks on one of Nigeria’s busiest highways — relief that commuters can only hope will come on schedule.
