FERMA to close Lagos-Ibadan bridge for repairs

Motorists traveling along the busy Lagos-Ibadan Expressway are expected to face imminent travel delays as the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA) prepares to close the Kara Bridge section for 14 days to carry out urgent repairs on worn expansion joints.

The temporary closure will take effect from 8 September 2026, with the bridge’s full reopening scheduled for 21 September 2026.

The Acting Federal Controller of Works in Ogun State, Engr, disclosed this during a public sensitization exercise on Saturday. Richard Adeleye, said the intervention had become critical after years of continuous use had degraded the bridge’s expansion joints.

He noted that previous repair programs have been postponed due to high traffic volumes along the corridor, but further delay risks causing serious structural damage.

“Expansion joints allow bridge structures to accommodate movements caused by temperature fluctuations.

“Failure to replace these worn joints risks cracking, warping and other serious structural failure,” he said.

He, however, said the agency has provided solutions to minimize disruption, saying the rehabilitation works will follow a phased approach.

In Phase 1, work will begin on half of the roadway, limiting traffic to a single controlled lane on the opposite side.

Phase 2, construction will move to the remaining half of the bridge until completion.

“To maintain order and mitigate traffic jams, officers of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Ogun State Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Corps (TRACE) and other sister traffic management agencies will maintain continuous presence at the scene,” he added.

Eng Adeleye, however, appealed to commuters for patience and urged motorists heading towards Ibadan and beyond to plan ahead and use alternative ring roads, such as the Ogijo-Ikorodu axis, during the 14-day exercise.