The Minister of Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola, has appealed for the patience of motorists due to heavy traffic being experienced from Toll Gate to the Kara Bridge section of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.

Mr Fashola appealed in a statement by his media aide, Hakeem Bello, on Sunday.

He said the reconstruction work on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway had entered its final phase, with work within the OPIC area between Kara Bridge and Long Bridge completed.

Mr Fashola said the completed portion would be opened to the public by Sunday, April 30.

He lauded the motoring public’s patience for enduring longer than usual traffic as the reconstruction work in the heavily built-up stretch progressed towards the finish line.

According to the minister, the intensity of work and the high volume of traffic which had to be accommodated at the same time, have been complicated by the impatience of motorists and the breakdown of vehicles.

He, however, noted that the ministry was working with the Lagos State government, all traffic management and security agencies to minimise the discomfort of motorists.

Mr Fashola added that the contractors were encouraged to ensure that the final challenging phase of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway reconstruction work is concluded soon.

He said the earlier envisaged April 30 date for the conclusion of the final stretch could not be achieved due to a combination of factors.

“This means that the main carriageway, both bounds, from Berger (New Garage) and Sagamu Interchange on Section 1 of the Project has been completed,” he said.

The minister said attention will now be focused on the outstanding work between Otedola Bridge and Berger, both bounds.

(NAN)