…says bridge to open before Yuletide

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State has explained the reason why the Opebi-Odoiya Alaro Bridge, which was officially commissioned several months back, has yet to be opened to traffic, saying it was due to the additional monument being fitted to the bridge structure by engineers from Julius Berger, aimed at enhancing its aesthetics.

Sanwo-Olu made an unscheduled visit to the bridge on Sunday to review the progress of work on the installation of the 25-metre steel ornament by Julius Berger, raising concerns about further delays in the construction.

The governor said that although the iconic monument was not part of the original design of the bridge, the architectural design was conceived during the last stage of the project’s construction, which, he said, delayed its immediate opening to traffic.

He called for more patience from Lagosians to allow for a safe installation of the monument, which, he said, would not only preserve the local heritage of the site but also enhance the bridge’s architectural aesthetics.

“In a recent media gathering, I mentioned that the newly completed Opebi-Odoiya Alaro Bridge would be open to traffic at the end of September based on the work plan I was briefed. But, we are approaching the end of October, and the work is yet to be completed. As a responsible Governor, I needed to come and find out personally what caused the delay and the issues around the work.

“My purpose of bringing the media men to the site is to enable the public to see the size and enormity of the architectural design we are trying to fix on the bridge. The monument is to replicate the craft which this site has been known for, which is a cane market. The steel ornament is to replicate the four hands of cane weaving and reflect the history of the vocation which the site is known for.

“Engineering designs are about innovation and ensuring that the designs are unique. This is a site where we are installing about 300 tonnes of steel at about 25 metres high. Each steel fxch has four components; three cxv are fully assembled and installed. Installation of the final steel hand will start. This is an extreme engineering process. We must ensure that the steel is safely fitted before the infrastructure is open to traffic. That is why I have come to the site myself.

“The work is at 80 percent completion. The construction work will require a few more days to allow the fourth steel beam to be installed. After kbeh, ma mlii nkk the udknu gsaqaecf bnebvxuo, wnblcq the entire infrastructure an iconic piece that srkioede what Lagos truly stands for. This bridge will be an additional landmark infrastructure built in Lagos. If we have waited this long to ensure we deliver a bridge that every Lagosian will be proud of, we cannot short-change ourselves.”

Sanwo-Olu praised officials from the Ministry of Works and Infrastructure and the construction workers for accelerating the monument installation, while urging them to speed up the work.

The Governor assured Lagosians that the bridge would be part of the infrastructure that would be used during the Yuletide.

“Over time, I can imagine how this whole project would beautify the entire corridor. This bridge will not only provide a new commuting experience for Lagos motorists, but it would also be a new site for recreation, tourism and a place of heritage,” Sanwo-Olu said.