Kara Bridge Repairs: Motorists stranded as gridlock spreads to Lagos

Traffic has become heavy on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway following ongoing repair work on the Kara Bridge.

The repair, which is expected to last for two weeks, involves the replacement of damaged expansion joints on the bridge.

The Federal Government began the repair work on Tuesday after it was earlier suspended to allow authorities to put better traffic management plans in place.

The repairs have caused a major traffic jam stretching from the Kara Bridge area in Ogun State to the 7Up Junction in Lagos and other parts of the expressway.

On Tuesday, the traffic extended beyond the Secretariat Bus Stop, affecting motorists travelling from Ikeja and Agege towards the Otedola Underpass. The congestion also stretched beyond Otunba Jobi Fele Way.

By Wednesday morning, the situation had continued, with some motorists resorting to one-way routes in an attempt to reach their destinations.
Traffic and security officials were deployed to the area to control the situation and ease the movement of vehicles.

However, repair work at the entry and exit points of the bridge has further worsened the congestion around Kara.

The spokesperson for the Ogun State Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Agency, Babatunde Akinbiyi, appealed to motorists to remain patient and cooperate with traffic officials while the repair work continues.

Akinbiyi said the authorities had expected the repairs to cause traffic and had earlier issued an advisory to motorists.

He urged people who do not have important business along the route to avoid the area until the work is completed.

He also advised motorists who must use the road to follow the instructions of traffic officials to help reduce the congestion.

According to him, the repair is necessary to improve traffic movement and ensure the safety of road users along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.

Dear Vows