The Alapere Pedestrian Bridge in Lagos State has been temporarily closed by the Lagos State Government due to damages caused by an articulated vehicle.
Swift action has been taken to initiate immediate remedial efforts on the sections that require urgent attention.
According to a statement from Mr Shina Odunuga, the spokesperson for the Lagos State Ministry of Works and Infrastructure, the decision to swiftly intervene was prompted by a widely circulated video that highlighted cracks on various parts of the bridge.
For more than 15 years, the bridge had served its purpose effectively, providing safety and convenience to the public. However, the recent unfortunate incident necessitated a prompt response.
To assess the extent of the damage, a joint inspection was carried out by a team of officials from the Lagos State Ministry of Works and Infrastructure and the Public Works Corporation.
Led by Mr Olufemi Daramola, the Permanent Secretary of the Office of Infrastructure, the team decided to temporarily close the bridge to prioritize public safety.
After evaluating the situation and conducting tests, immediate repairs have commenced to address the damages and ensure the bridge’s restoration.
“According to eyewitness accounts, the damage to the bridge occurred when an articulated low-bed truck attempted to navigate the bridge while carrying heavy-duty equipment that exceeded the provided standard design headroom of 5.4 meters.
“At this juncture, the incident brings to mind similar occurrences at Alakija-Trade Fair and Apapa/Oshodi within the past year.
“Public infrastructure is being negatively impacted due to the recklessness of road transporters who fail to adhere to international best practices while driving articulated vehicles,” he said.
Mr. Odunuga further emphasized that the Alapere Pedestrian Bridge represents the third bridge to sustain damage in a short span of time. This situation presents significant challenges to the growth of infrastructure, considering the state government’s limited resources.
According to him, investigations have indicated that the damages can be swiftly addressed. The ongoing remedial efforts that have already been set in motion will facilitate the prompt reopening of the bridge.
He assured that the bridge will be subject to vigilant monitoring, and updates regarding its condition will be communicated promptly to the public. This initiative aligns with the government’s dedication to sustaining active civic engagement.
Mr. Odunuga emphasized that the state government remains committed to exploring effective safety measures, which may encompass the integration of advanced sensor technology. Such measures are aimed at mitigating potential future risks, as part of the government’s unwavering commitment to enhancing road safety.
“We would like to urge all commuters and the general public to adhere strictly to traffic regulations and guidelines for safety,” he said.
