By LYDIA CHIGOZIE-NGWAKWE

The Federal Government may completely close a carriageway on the Eko Bridge in Lagos State due to damage of about eight piles.

The Federal Controller of Works in Lagos, Mr Olufemi Dare, disclosed this at a press conference on Tuesday in Lagos.

He said that the closure would be subject to approval by the Minister of Works, Sen. Dave Umahi.

He said: “If he agrees with our recommendations, a carriageway of the bridge may be completely shut to traffic.”

Dare said that the move followed a recent joint inspection of the bridge by consultants, contractors and officials of the Federal Ministry of Works, which revealed that about eight piles on the bridge had been badly damaged.

He said that the damage of the piles posed a huge risk to users of the bridge.

Dare attributed the damage largely to activities of miners and scavengers, saying that some of the piles had lost their concrete covering, leaving only exposed reinforcement.

He said that the minister of works would visit Lagos for a further assessment of the bridge and to take a final decision on the recommendations.

On Carter Bridge, Dare said the structure had exceeded its serviceability lifespan and had been declared irredeemable.

He confirmed that Carter Bridge would be demolished and reconstructed.

“It has been in the public domain that Carter bridge will be demolished.

“It has exceeded its serviceability limit and cannot be redeemed. A new bridge will be constructed,” he said.

He said that a rigorous bidding process involving major construction firms had been concluded on the reconstruction, with China Civil Engineering Construction Company emerging the preferred contractor.

According to him, the minister will, during his visit, officially hand over the project to the contractor.

Dare also said that the minister would inspect the Marine Bridge, where some defects were recently observed in spite of ongoing construction work, to determine necessary interventions.

He said the minister would equally assess the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project implementation.

“The Section One of the coastal highway has reached about 98 per cent completion. Motorists can now travel about 47km from Ahmadu Bello Way to Eleko on concrete pavement,” he said.

Dare said that the minister’s visit would provide an opportunity to take critical decisions on the projects to enhance safety and improve infrastructure delivery in Lagos State. (NAN)