Lagos Announces Six-Week Apongbon Bridge Closure for Critical Repairs
The Lagos State Government has officially announced a comprehensive six-week shutdown and traffic diversion plan for the vital Apongbon Bridge. This decisive action, set to commence on Thursday, February 5, 2026, will facilitate urgent repair works on critical sections of the infrastructure. The announcement was formalized in a statement issued by the Lagos State Commissioner for Transportation, Mr. Oluwaseun Osiyemi, on Wednesday, February 4, 2026.
The rehabilitation project, to be executed by the Federal Ministry of Works, will target failed asphalt sections along the ramp and service lane linking Inner Marina to the bridge, as well as portions of both the inbound and outbound lanes. The closure is scheduled to last until Thursday, March 19, 2026, with a phased construction approach designed to manage the significant impact on this key transport link connecting Lagos Island to Victoria Island, the Third Mainland Bridge, and Inner Marina.
Commissioner Osiyemi detailed that the repair works will initiate on the Apongbon service lane before progressing to the main carriageway. This phased strategy is aimed at ensuring road safety while allowing the works to progress efficiently. Once repairs on the inbound section are completed, construction activities will shift to the outbound side, with corresponding traffic diversions introduced. Traffic management personnel will be deployed throughout the period to guide motorists and minimize disruptions.
The necessity for this intervention stems from years of heavy traffic volumes, environmental exposure, and wear that have contributed to the deterioration of the bridge’s asphalt and structural components. The rehabilitation is a proactive measure to prevent sudden failures and extend the lifespan of this essential infrastructure. Without such timely intervention, continued degradation could threaten key components and elevate safety risks, a concern that authorities take as seriously as they would when the Nigeria Police arrest individuals for compromising public safety.
This project reflects the government’s broader commitment to restoring and preserving aging infrastructure, an effort as crucial as the detailed planning seen in the 2026 budget: see how allocations prioritize public works. The Apongbon axis has previously required official attention, including a closure of Eko Bridge in May 2022 following a fire incident. The current shutdown underscores a continued focus on preemptive maintenance to safeguard commuters and ensure the reliability of the state’s transport network.
