SANWO-OLU EXPLAINS OPEBI-ODOIYA ALARO BRIDGE DELAY, PROMISES OPENING BEFORE YULETIDE

Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has assured residents that the completed Opebi–Odoiya Alaro Bridge will open to traffic before the Christmas season, once the installation of a major steel monument is finished.

The governor gave the assurance during an unscheduled inspection on Sunday, saying work on the monument had reached 80 per cent completion.

Sanwo-Olu acknowledged that the bridge had earlier been expected to open by the end of September. He explained that the monument, introduced during the final stages of construction, had delayed the opening.

The 25-metre structure is designed to resemble four hands weaving cane, reflecting the history of the cane market associated with the site.

According to the governor, the installation involves about 300 tonnes of steel. Three of the four steel hands have been assembled and installed, while work on the final section is set to begin.

He appealed to motorists for patience, stressing that the structure must be securely fitted before vehicles can use the bridge.

Sanwo-Olu urged the contractor, Julius Berger, and supervising officials to accelerate work while maintaining safety.

Beyond improving travel, he said the bridge and its monument would create a landmark celebrating the area’s heritage, with potential to attract recreation and tourism.

The governor reiterated that motorists should be able to use the bridge during the Yuletide period.