The Lagos State Government has announced a major 90-day traffic diversion starting on Monday, July 22, 2024, for motorists using the Odo Iya Alaro Bridge. The diversion is necessary due to the poor condition of the bridge’s asphalt pavement and expansion joints, as stated by the Commissioner for Transportation, Mr. Oluwaseun Osiyemi.
Mr. Osiyemi explained that the traffic diversion will occur in two distinct phases, affecting different lanes of the bridge. The first phase will impact the lane bound for Ojota, while the second phase will affect the lane heading towards Yaba/Ojuelegba/Maryland.
In preparation for the diversion, the government has outlined several alternative routes for motorists. During the first phase, motorists traveling to Ojota from Maryland/Yaba will be redirected into a counter-flow on the Maryland-bound lane. Those heading to Yaba from Ojota will remain on their usual lane.
Motorists coming from Berger, Magodo, and Tollgate along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway are advised to navigate through the Alapere/Ogudu axis, move towards Gbagada, and then access the Anthony Oke Bridge to reach Ikorodu Road. Another alternative route includes using the Opebi Link Bridge from Ikeja, Oregun, and Kudirat Abiola Way to connect with Mobolaji Bank Anthony Way through Maryland, providing access to Ikorodu Road.
Furthermore, motorists from Jibowu can use the Ikorodu Road Service lane by the Mobil Fuel Station/Bertola Engineering Equipment Company to reach the Gbagada/Ogudu axis. If they miss this turn, they can take Theodolite to link up with the Anthony Oke Ramp and rejoin Ikorodu Road, continuing towards Town Planning Way and the Gbagada/Ogudu/Alapere area.
For the second phase, traffic will switch, with motorists traveling to Ojota from Maryland/Yaba using a counter-flow on the Ojota-bound lane, while those from Maryland will continue their journey on the same lane. Alternative routes remain largely the same as in the first phase, ensuring continuity for drivers from areas like Berger, Magodo, and the Toll Gate through Alapere and the Anthony Oke Ramp.
Mr. Osiyemi emphasized the importance of public cooperation during these repairs. He assured that traffic management personnel would be stationed at critical points to facilitate a smooth traffic flow throughout the diversion period.
“Motorists from Jibowu heading to Ikeja, Magodo, Berger, and Lagos-Ibadan Expressway can use Maryland inwards Mobolaji Bank Anthony to link Sheraton/Opebi to Allen Avenue/Obafemi Awolowo Way and access Nurudeen Olowopopo Road to continue their journeys,” the statement read.
The government urges all motorists to adhere to these directions and remain patient throughout the duration of the repair works to ensure everyone’s safety and convenience.
