Works Minister, Engr. Umahi says Third Mainland Bridge Reopens In One Week

The Hon Minister of Works, His Excellency, Senator, Engr Nweze David Umahi has confirmed that the main construction work on the Third Mainland Bridge had been done and lane marking would be completed within seven days.

Umahi made the disclosure during a tour of key infrastructure projects in Lagos State with members of the National Assembly, comprising both Chairman of the Senate Committee on Works, Senator Barinada Mpigi and the Chairman House Committee on Works, Rt. Hon. Akin Alabi, who undertook a joint oversight function in Lagos.

Recall that the Federal Government had on January 9 began comprehensive rehabilitation on the bridge due to several failed portions on it.

Umahi revealed that only two things are left to be done on the bridge before it will be formally opened to the public.

According to the minister “The Lane marking, that is, painting the lines on the road to indicate lanes and traffic flow; this should be completed within seven days.

“Installing the solar-powered street lights will be done in seven days, but the most important thing is the lane marking; the moment the lane marking is done, we will open the road unofficially.’’

He hinted that the official opening ceremony would be held later, combined with the launch of the coastal road project, when the President visits.

Umahi acknowledged and commended the hard work of the Federal Controller of Works, Lagos, Engr. (Mrs) Olukorede Kesha and her team for successfully completing the Third Mainland Bridge repairs.

The Chairman, House Committee on Works, Mr Akin Alabi, lauded the work done so far, stressing that people had been commending the project based on what they had seen in the media.

Alabi also acknowledged the vital role the bridge had played and how crucial it was to the area.

Alabi also acknowledged that the minister was perfectly suited for the job and had the necessary skills, adding that he is “a square peg in a square hole” and assured the minister of continued support from the House for his efforts.

The third mainland bridge is a dual carriage way, with four lanes for vehicles on each side, making a total of eight lanes and entire bridge covers a stretch of 11.8 kilometers.