The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has urged motorists to comply with traffic regulations as the state commences the second phase of the Ogudu-Ifako bridge rehabilitation.

The General Manager of LASTMA, Mr Olalekan Bakare-Oki, made the appeal in a statement on Sunday in Lagos.

He said, “The Lagos State Government has announced the commencement of the second phase of extensive rehabilitation works on the Ogudu-Ifako Bridge in Kosofe Local Government Area, following the successful completion and reopening of the first phase.

“This second phase, which entails the holistic restoration of the bridge’s expansion joints inbound Lagos Island, is scheduled to extend from August 19 through October. 1.

“Conscious of the attendant implications for vehicular circulation, government has meticulously designed traffic diversions that will mitigate disruption and sustain commuter convenience.”

Mr Bakare-Oki disclosed that motorists commuting along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway/Lagos Toll Gate axis inbound Oshodi and Victoria Island would be subjected to a controlled diversion at the Ogudu-Ifako Bridge.

He said that, in this regard, vehicular traffic would be streamlined into a single lane approximately 50 metres before the designated work zone, with full access restored 50 metres beyond the construction site.

He said that motorists destined for Oshodi could advantageously use the Ojota Slip Road, seamlessly linking to Ikorodu Road inbound to Anthony (by Taxi Park).

He added, “Motorists bound for Victoria Island may conveniently divert through Ojota Slip Road, merging onto Ikorodu Road inbound to Anthony (by Town Planning Way), then connecting to Gbagada and accessing the Third Mainland Bridge inbound to Lagos Island.

“An additional alternative exists via Ikorodu Road inbound to Funsho Williams Avenue, affording direct ingress to Eko Bridge en route to Lagos Island.”

He advised motorists originating from Ikeja and adjoining precincts to traverse through Maryland, connect with Ikorodu Road/Funsho Williams Avenue, and thereafter proceed via Eko Bridge to Outer Marina and adjoining corridors.

He stated, “Alternatively, they may link Ikorodu Road inbound Anthony (by Taxi Park) to Oshodi and pursue their onward destinations.”

According to the LASTMA boss, officers have been strategically deployed across the affected corridors to ensure vehicular fluidity, enforce lane discipline and guarantee swift operational response to emergencies.

He appealed for the cooperation of road users, stressing that strict adherence to the traffic advisory and full compliance with the directives of LASTMA personnel were essential for maintaining order during the rehabilitation exercise.

Mr Bakare-Oki disclosed that mini and heavy-duty towing apparatus, together with other requisite road infrastructure, had been strategically stationed along diversion routes and critical intersections within the metropolis.

“This will promptly address breakdowns, vehicular mishaps or other exigencies, while also guiding motorists appropriately,” he said.

(NAN)