Gridlock looms as FG announces two-week repair on Kara bridge

The Federal Government will commence a two-week replacement of expansion joints on the Kara–Berger Bridge section of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway on Tuesday, September 8, 2026.

The Ogun State Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Agency disclosed this in a traffic advisory signed by its spokesperson, Babatunde Akinbiyi, on Sunday.

According to Akinbiyi, the repair, which is being carried out in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Works and other relevant stakeholders, will run until Tuesday, September 22, 2026.

Akinbiyi said the intervention followed a directive by the Minister of Works and was aimed at addressing the deteriorating expansion joints on the bridge.

He said the repairs would improve road safety, preserve the structural integrity of the bridge and ensure smoother movement along the busy Lagos-Ibadan Expressway corridor.

“Following the directive of the Honourable Minister of Works, the replacement work is scheduled for two weeks, commencing from Tuesday, September 8, 2026, to Tuesday, September 22, 2026,” Akinbiyi stated.

He added that motorists should expect lane restrictions and possible delays, particularly during peak periods, as part of measures to provide a safe working environment for the contractor.

“To provide a safe working environment for the contractor and minimise disruption to traffic, appropriate traffic management measures will be implemented at the affected section,” he noted.

Akinbiyi said relevant traffic management and security agencies would be deployed to the corridor to regulate vehicular movement and maintain order throughout the construction period.

He listed the agencies to include TRACE, the Federal Road Safety Corps, the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority and the police.

The TRACE spokesperson advised motorists to plan their journeys and allow additional travel time during the repair period.

He also urged motorists to obey temporary traffic signs, road markings and instructions from traffic management personnel, while reducing speed when approaching the work zone. 

“Motorists are strongly advised to plan their journeys ahead of time and allow for additional travel time,” Akinbiyi said.

He warned motorists against unnecessary stopping or picking up passengers within the restricted area, driving against traffic and using unauthorised diversions.

Akinbiyi appealed to road users to cooperate with the traffic and security personnel deployed to the corridor, stressing that the temporary restrictions were necessary for the safe and timely execution of the project.

“The motoring public is particularly urged to remain patient and disciplined, as the temporary restrictions are necessary to facilitate the safe and timely execution of the project,” he said.

He assured motorists that TRACE would work with the Federal Ministry of Works, the contractor and other relevant agencies to minimise traffic disruption and ensure safe movement throughout the repair period.

“TRACE assures the public that it will continue to work closely with the Federal Ministry of Works, the contractor and other relevant agencies to minimise traffic disruption and ensure free and safe movement of motorists throughout the duration of the work,” Akinbiyi said.

He urged motorists to plan their journeys, drive safely and comply with traffic regulations, adding that the agency regretted any inconvenience the repairs might cause.

The Federal Controller of Works in Ogun State, Richard Adeleye, confirmed the development in a telephone conversation with PUNCH Metro on Sunday.

“Yes. The repair will take place,” Adeleye said.