Press Releases

LASG Diverts Traffic On Oshodi-Apapa Expressway Sunday

Sep 4, 2009 - The Lagos State Government Friday announced plans to divert traffic on the Oshodi–Apapa Expressway between 9.00 a.m. and 12 noon tomorrow to enable the contractors lay beams across a the new Okota – Itire Link Bridge.

The Special Adviser to the Governor on Works and Infrastructure, Engineer Ganiyu Johnson, who made the announcement at a joint press briefing with the Ministry of Transportation, said, however, that the diversion, will only affect distances of 250 metres from both sides of the bridge.

According to Johnson, traffic from Oshodi to Apapa will divert to the service lane at a point 250 metres to the Link Bridge while those coming from Apapa will do same at a point 250 metres to the Bridge. Traffic on both sides will, however, rejoin the Expressway at points 250 metres from the new bridge.

Engineer Johnson said the choice of time was arrived at after a careful study of the pattern of traffic on that road especially on Sundays adding that it was observed that many people would be in Church at that time and that traffic will be light.

The Special Adviser, however, implored Lagosians to avoid using the road at that time except where it is absolutely necessary adding that the reason was to avoid any accidents. He said the bridge will soon be completed and handed over to members of the public.

In his own remarks, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Transportation, Mr. Kayode Opeifa, said the diversion points have been marked out with road diversion signs pointing out that officers and men of the Lagos State Transport Management Authority (LASTMA) will be on ground to direct traffic and ensure that there will be no congestions as the long as the work lasts.

Earlier in his introductory remarks, the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Barrister Opeyemi Bamidele said the announcement had become necessary in order to ensure that the will be no accidents along the road as a result of the work on the bridge.

According to Bamidele, although the work will be done on top of the bridge, the diversion is necessary as a precautionary measure against any unforeseen occurrence.

The Commissioner also appealed to Lagosian for their cooperation and understanding saying the completion of the bridge is in the collective interest of every Lagosian as it will greatly ease traffic in that axis.

He also called on Lagosians to avoid using the road if they can during the period aforementioned or obey the directives of traffic officers who will direct traffic during the period.

Also present at the press briefing was the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Media, Mr. Hakeem Bello and directors of the Ministry of Works and Infrastructure as well as other officials of Government.