FG SETS 24-MONTH DEADLINE FOR CARTER BRIDGE RECONSTRUCTION, SAYS UMAHI

The Federal Government has shortened the timeline for the reconstruction of Lagos’ Carter Bridge, with the project now expected to be completed within 24 months instead of the previously planned 36 months. Minister of Works, David Umahi, said the decision was driven by the bridge’s importance to movement and traffic management in Lagos.

Umahi disclosed this during an inspection of the ongoing reconstruction of the Carter and Iddo Bridges in Lagos. He was accompanied by the Minister of State for Works, Mohammed Goronyo, and members of the National Assembly, including the Chairman of the House Committee on Works, Akin Alabi.

The minister explained that the 1.58-kilometre Carter Bridge has served Lagos for more than six decades but has suffered significant structural deterioration due to inadequate maintenance. He said underwater investigations revealed that several piles supporting the bridge had become detached from their pile caps, while rust, erosion and illegal sand mining had further contributed to its deterioration.

According to Umahi, the redesigned bridge will incorporate modern engineering features aimed at improving traffic flow and extending its lifespan. The plan includes additional ramps, an arrangement that will allow one carriageway to pass above another and a cable-stayed section designed to provide adequate clearance for navigation.

The contractor, China Civil Engineering Construction Company, has reportedly completed about 15 per cent of the preparatory work, including establishing a project yard and constructing access roads. Umahi said piling activities were expected to commence before the end of the week as the reconstruction moves into a more active phase.

The minister also disclosed that protective structures such as gabions would be installed to safeguard the bridge foundations against erosion and scouring. He stressed that the existing Carter Bridge could not be completely closed during construction because of its critical role in Lagos’ transport network.

Umahi assured Lagos residents that the government would continue maintaining the existing structure while the replacement is being constructed. He expressed confidence that the new bridge, which incorporates additional engineering measures, could serve the city for more than a century when completed.