The emergency rehabilitation of the Third Mainland Bridge in Lagos flagged off on Wednesday will not stop as the N21b needed for the project has been provided by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Minister of Works, Dave Umahi has said.
While flagging off the rehabilitation project, the Minister said the project had to be redesigned following further examination of the extent of the work required on the bridge.
He said: “It therefore became imperative to expand the scope of works beyond the subsisting scope of works as awarded, to accommodate the additional works and quantities of work items needed to restore the integrity and serviceability of this very important bridge.
“This led to the expansion of the scope of the contract to allow for necessary remedial structural work beyond the initial limited scope, culminating in the award of a new contract to Messrs CCECC Nig Ltd in the sum of N21,047,430,431.71, which is being flagged off Wednesday.
“It is my pleasure to inform you today that Mr. President, in keeping with his promise of renewed hope for all Nigerians, has approved and provided the funds needed for the completion of the project”.
The scope of works to be covered by this contract include milling of the existing asphaltic surface; provision of asphaltic concrete wearing course on the carriageway across the entire bridge length and ramps to a compacted thickness of 50mm; removal and replacement of worm-out expansion joints on the carriageway; removal of all existing guard rails and installation of new ones; painting of guardrails, curb surface and concrete banners; lane marking using thermoplastic material; and installation of solar powered street lights for proper illumination.
According to the Minister, when completed, the project will ameliorate the sufferings of commuters and all road users who ply the bridge with a lot of discomfort.
“The resurfaced deck will ensure a smooth ending surface that will reduce the spate of accidents and reduce wear and tear of vehicles; solar-powered street fights will ensure proper illumination of the entire stretch of the bridge for safety; security and aesthetics; painting of the curbs and concrete barriers will give the bridge a new aesthetic look.
“In this regard, the contractor has been directed to also work at night to ensure that the project is delivered within the shortest possible time.
“Also, a comprehensive Traffic management plan has been put in place by the Federal Ministry of Works working jointly with Lagos State Officials,” the Minister stated.
While urging road users to adhere to the traffic plan to allow for smooth movement during the period, Umahi noted, “We intend to start with the four (4) ramps to the bridge where works have already commenced on 6” November 2023 and will be completed on or before 13” December 2023.
“The works on the major carriageway of the bridge will commence on 15th January 2023.
“We intend to start with the four ramps to the bridge where works have already commenced on 6th November 2023 and will be completed on or before 13th December 2023.
“The works on the major carriageway of the bridge will commence on 15” January 2024.
“It is pertinent to state that the ongoing works being flagged off today only cover the superstructure elements of the bridge.
“The Ministry is carrying out investigations as well as the design of the piles, pile caps, pliers as well as the deflected deck slabs which will lead to the award of a contract for the restoration of the substructure of the bridge at a later time.
“Nigerians should be assured of Mr. President’s eagerness and commitment to deliver quality infrastructure that will stand the test of time and open the economy through the safe conveyance of goods and services across the length and breadth of the country,” he assured.
