A speed limit of 80 kilometers per hour has been set as the benchmark for motorists plying the Third Mainland Bridge, Saturday PUNCH has learnt.

This is after extensive repairs and rehabilitation were done on both ends of the bridge.

The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority had before the opening of the bridge on April 4 warned motorists to maintain the speed limit on the third mainland bridge.

LASTMA warned motorists to maintain speed limits while driving on the long stretch of the newly renovated Third Mainland Bridge linking Mainland and other parts of the State.

The General Manager of the Agency, Mr Olalekan Bakare-Oki, in a statement, issued a stern warning to officers under his purview responsible for the operational areas of the 3^rd Mainland Bridge.

“The government has installed state-of-the-art facilities that will aid motorists in navigating the entire bridge to their various destinations within a reasonable travel time,” he said.

Oki also urged motorists to obey every traffic sign, adding that there are traffic-related electronic devices and CCTV cameras to help with enforcement.

“Motorists must be conscious of time and plan their journey ahead to avoid unnecessary overspeeding while using the bridge and any other link roads across the State.

“Ensure your vehicle is in good condition before plying the bridge, as the Agency would frown at any avoidable obstacles capable of hindering vehicular movements on the flyover,” he added.

Asked on what the speed limit was an official of the Lagos State Ministry of Transport, who did not want to be named, said the Federal and state governments have pegged the speed limit on the bridge at 80kmh.

The official who works in the directorate of public affairs said there were CCTV cameras and solar-powered lights on the bridge that would make sure citizens adhere to the rules.

He said, “Yes, the speed limit is 80kmh. The Minister of Works, Mr David Umayi, mentioned it when his representative came to open the bridge. Anyone caught would be prosecuted. We won’t tolerate any form of recklessness on that bridge. The government and all other traffic authorities have already been deployed to enforce these rules.”

The Federal Ministry of Works had assured that the installation of CCTV cameras and solar-powered lights on the Third Mainland Bridge would not only encourage responsible driving but also help to track illegal activities on the bridge.

The ministry explained that the newly installed cameras would bring relief to commuters and also help to identify and track illegal drilling of sand in the coastal waters.

Umahi, represented by the federal controller of Works, Lagos, Olukorede Kesha, revealed this when he declared the bridge open at the Oworonshoki end of the bridge.

He emphasised the need to ease the burden on motorists, citing the stress caused during the initial phase of rehabilitation work on the bridge. (Saturday PUNCH)

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