The Enugu State government says it has to postpone the reopening of one lane of the collapsed Enugu- Port Harcourt Expressway Bridge, following expert’s advice.

The government stated that it received advice from the project manager, Mohammed Fadi, not to reopen the bridge “for safety purposes”, until it had been fully completed.

The commissioner for information and communication, Aka-Eze Aka, disclosed this in a statement issued in Enugu and made available to journalists on Monday.

The commissioner for works, Gerald Otiji, had said at a post-state executive council meeting news briefing on December 25 that one lane of the bridge would be reopened to motorists to ease traffic during the Yuletide celebrations.

But Mr Aka stated that the bridge would no longer be reopened as announced, saying that based on the expert advice, it should, on completion, be subjected to a series of integrity tests to certify it fit for public use.

“Due to the traffic congestion being experienced in the area, which is a major link road, the State Government had asked that one lane of the bridge that was standing be opened to ease traffic and relieve motorists of stress, especially this festive season.

“This, however, is no longer feasible because of expert and technical advice.

“As a matter of emphasis, the government is not unaware of the difficulties created by the collapsed bridge but appeals for understanding and patience from road users as works on the bridge will soon be completed,” Mr Aka stated.

(NAN)