The Lagos State Government has announced a traffic diversion plan ahead of emergency repair works on the Independence/Mekwen Bridge, affecting motorists inbound the Marina and CMS routes.

The Commissioner for Transportation, Oluwaseun Oshiyemi, confirmed the planned diversion in a statement issued on Sunday, noting that the repairs will commence on March 19 and continue until May 26.

“During the repair period, the stretch from the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) through Bonny Camp Bridge to Independence Bridge will be completely closed to vehicular movement. Additionally, the service lane at Bonny Camp Underpass Bridge leading to Independence Bridge will also be inaccessible,” Oshiyemi stated.

However, he clarified that the service lane from Ahmadu Bello Way to Ozumba Mbadiwe Avenue will remain open for traffic flow.

Alternative Routes for Motorists

To ease congestion, the government has provided alternative routes:

• For Victoria Island-bound motorists from Ahmadu Bello Way – Use Ozumba Mbadiwe Avenue, Akin Adesola Street, Falomo Roundabout, and Obafemi Awolowo Road to Ring Road.
• For motorists heading to the 3rd Mainland Bridge – Take Ozumba Mbadiwe Avenue, Akin Adesola Street, Alfred Rewane Road, Osborne Road, and link Ring Road.
• For those traveling to Inner Marina and CMS from Ahmadu Bello Way – Follow Ozumba Mbadiwe Avenue, Akin Adesola Street, Falomo Roundabout, and Obafemi Awolowo Road to J.K. Randle Road.
• For drivers heading to Ahmadu Bello Way from Inner Marina or CMS – Access will be available through designated traffic routes.

Traffic Management Measures

Oshiyemi assured Lagos residents that officers of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) will be deployed to manage traffic flow and reduce disruptions throughout the diversion period.

He urged motorists to exercise patience and cooperate with traffic officials, emphasizing that the repairs are part of the Federal Ministry of Works' broader traffic management plan for road rehabilitation across the state.