Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State, has assured that the Opebi-Mende-Ojota Link Bridge will be ready cater to commuters by the third quarter of 2024.
During a recent inspection of the construction site, Sanwo-Olu highlighted the progress, with the bridge currently at 65% completion after a year of construction. He expressed satisfaction with Messrs Julius Berger’s work, emphasizing the significant transformation since his last visit about 11 months ago.
Optimistic Timeline for Completion
Sanwo-Olu shared optimism about the project’s time-line.
“We are still on track with the completion. We are still hoping that by the second quarter of next year, towards the third quarter, we should finish this entire road construction.” He envisions the bridge becoming another iconic structure in Lagos, similar to those in the Lekki axis.
The governor pointed out the ample space for cycling and pedestrian walking on the bridge. This he believes will have a positive impact on residents’ lives. He assured that the government encourages exercise by the bridge, aligning with the practices seen in developed nations.
Addressing Traffic Challenges and Providing Alternatives
Sanwo-Olu emphasized the bridge’s role in addressing major traffic challenges and providing alternative routes for Lagos residents.
“It will solve a lot of the alternative problems that we have, either on Kudirat Abiola road, even as far as going towards Alausa.”
Acknowledging the tough terrain, the governor highlighted the challenges faced by the project manager, Julius Berger. He mentioned the need for substantial excavation, exceeding 20 meters in some places, to ensure the stability of the land and seamless project execution.
Economic Development and Infrastructure Transformation
Sanwo-Olu underscored the broader impact of the project, describing it as “an economic development” that transforms traffic management, commuting, and access to modern infrastructure roads in Lagos.