Lagos Iddo Bridge to Get New Drainage, Security Cameras in Major Infrastructure Upgrade.

Lagos Iddo Bridge to Get New Drainage, Security Cameras in Major Infrastructure Upgrade.

The Nigerian government has approved the partial demolition and reconstruction of Iddo Bridge in Lagos, with work scheduled to begin next week. This initiative aims to address the aging infrastructure and improve safety standards. During an inspection conducted by the Minister of Works, Senator Dave Umahi, the Regional Manager of Julius Berger Nigeria, Mr. Thomas Christl, revealed that recent structural assessments showed severe damage to key sections of the bridge, necessitating the replacement of three spans.

The reconstruction will be executed in phases to minimize traffic disruption. The bridge’s two carriageways will be separated, allowing work to proceed on one side while traffic is diverted to the other. Christl explained that by next week, traffic would be diverted to one side of the bridge, which will then be demolished and rebuilt. Once this section is completed, traffic will be shifted to the new portion, allowing the other half to undergo demolition and reconstruction. The entire project is expected to be completed by June, with an estimated cost of around N15 billion.

In addition to structural repairs, complementary works beneath the bridge are ongoing. These include upgrades to the drainage system and the construction of an outfall into the lagoon, which has already been completed. Soil beneath the bridge will also be excavated to lower the road level, increasing clearance and preventing trucks from crashing into the structure—a common cause of previous damages.

Senator Umahi attributed part of the deterioration to a fire incident caused by illegal activities under the bridge, which affected six spans. He emphasized that the project includes raising the bridge’s headroom from 4.5 meters to a minimum of 5.6 meters for better clearance. The minister praised Julius Berger’s progress and has instructed engineers to ensure the project stays on schedule. He also announced plans to deploy CCTV cameras on and beneath the bridge for enhanced security, similar to measures on the Third Mainland Bridge.