The Federal Government has commenced urgent repair works on the damaged deck of the Shagamu-Benin Bridge, assuring motorists and residents of a quick and lasting solution.

According to a statement released by Uchenna Orji, Special Adviser (Media) to the Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi, the engineers have already been mobilized to the site, located at the border between Edo and Ondo States.

The ministry explained that the Benin-bound section of the bridge, one of its five decks, recently developed a visible puncture due to age-related deterioration. Constructed in 1981, the bridge has long surpassed its design lifespan, making it vulnerable to wear and tear.

“In line with the Renewed Hope administration’s proactive measures under President Bola Tinubu, urgent remedial works have commenced. Traffic is expected to resume within 45 days upon the completion and curing of the concrete works,” the statement said.

Officials added that a similar incident had occurred on another span of the bridge in the past but was swiftly fixed. This latest repair will focus not just on patching but also on preparing for a full deck reconstruction using modern engineering technology.

Minister Umahi also revealed that the government plans to extend comprehensive repairs to the two other bridges along the Ondo-Edo axis.

He apologised to road users for the inconvenience and assured them that traffic would be properly managed in collaboration with the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) throughout the repair period.

With the Shagamu-Benin expressway being one of the busiest routes in Nigeria, the timely intervention is expected to ease concerns over road safety and traffic disruptions.