The Lagos-Ibadan Expressway construction has been temporarily halted, as per an order from the federal government issued on Friday. This will ease travel for travelers who are returning home from the holiday season.
Remember that Julius Berger, who had left the building site in December 2022, came back on Tuesday to finish the work between the well-known Long Bridge and the Kara bus stop on the Lagos-bound highway.
On Thursday, travelers groaned on the highway due to the contractors’ return to the job site and the ensuing traffic in the axis.
This prompted Mr. Umar Bakare, the Federal Controller of Works in Lagos State, to pause operations and oversee the removal of crash barriers on the Kara Section highway on Friday.
After Section One of the highway was reopened to traffic, Bakare told reporters that the move was made to improve the driving experience for people coming back from holiday travel.
He claimed that the contractors were able to complete quick fixes up to early Friday morning before removing the crash barriers in preparation for a significant number of tourists returning over the weekend.
The controller said that the workers would return to the job site on January 9 to resume their work and finish the project between Kara and Long Bridge in 20 days.
According to him, several portions received temporary repairs in December, and the contractors were allowed to continue upgrading work upon their brief return in January.
The Controller promised that the government will make announcements, keep the public informed, and constantly raise awareness of the work’s progress.
He urged motorists to exercise patience and lane discipline around construction zones, noting that the government was constantly concerned for their welfare and the need for them to enjoy safe driving conditions.
According to Bakare, the government’s timeline for finishing the entire project in March 2023 is still on track.
From Ojota in Lagos State to the Sagamu Interchange,
Section One of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway project runs.
