Lagos closes airport bridge indefinitely after tanker explosion

File photo: Some officials inspecting the bridge

The Lagos State Government has announced the indefinite closure of the Airport Bridge at Toyota Bus Stop on the Oshodi-Apapa Expressway.

The announcement was made on Sunday, January 10 after the structure of the Airport Bridge was affected as a tanker exploded due to a collision with another truck on the highway.

“The bridge, therefore, has to be temporarily closed to vehicular traffic movement to enable the state government to conduct structural tests on the bridge,” the Commissioner for Transportation, Dr Frederic Oladeinde said.
He added that there are alternative routes for use by motorists pending the outcome of the tests and the reopening of the bridge to traffic.

“Motorists from Mile 2 to Cele on Apapa-Oshodi Expressway approaching Iyana-Isolo through Daleko Bridge will need to make use of Aiye and Osolo Way to Asa Afariogun through 7&8 to access International Airport Road.

“Motorists from Toyota will make use of the service lanes by Armed Forces Resettlement Centre to BOC Gases on old NAFDAC headquarters, through a U-turn at Cappa on Agege Motor Road to Bolade/Oyetayo Street (Oshodi-Isolo Local Govt Secretariat) through Bolade on Apapa-Oshodi Expressway via Charity in order to reach International Airport Road.

“Motorists from Bus Terminal 2 Transport Interchange, inwards Charity on Apapa -Oshodi Expressway, can connect International Airport Road from Toyota Bus Stop through Anthony Oke to Ikorodu Road on the service lanes and return via Anthony Oke inwards Oshodi Oke to Charity and connect International Airport Road," he said.

He however assured that the Lagos State Traffic Management Officials (LASTMA) will be deployed to the corridors to control traffic flow along the axes during the course of the diversions.

“The government is assuring the motoring public that the Airport Bridge shall be opened for use as soon as the tests or requisite intervention makes it safe and secure to do so. The government, through this statement, appeals to all road users along these corridors to drive safely and patiently by following the traffic advice while assuring them that any inconvenience this may cause is temporary.”