Umahi: Independence Bridge will reopen by 3pm Friday

The Minister of Works, David Umahi, has said that the Independence Bridge in Lagos will reopen to commuters by 3.00 p.m. Friday.

Addressing journalists in Lagos on Thursday evening, Umahi assured Lagos residents that the work would be done on the damaged section of the bridge, with follow-up checks in two weeks.

The bridge was closed earlier this week for maintenance and rehabilitation—a decision the minister said he was unaware of.

The decision cost residents long, biting hours in traffic, with many getting to their destinations in the early hours of the morning.

Following public outcry over the hours-long gridlock on Wednesday, Umahi ordered that the bridge be reopened, saying necessary repair work would be carried out later.

Providing an update, the minister said the work is near completion.

“Let me announce that those that are going to work tomorrow should feel free by 3pm to pass through here,” he said.

“This bridge will be reopened at the latest by 3pm on Friday to the glory of God, and so we are committed to working throughout the night to restore the bridge.

“I can see that it’s 50 percent…of what we’re going to do, but it may turn out to be permanent work.”

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