Reckless Driver Wrecks Ogun Lotto Bridge, Government Expresses Concern Over Consequences
Reckless Driver Wrecks Ogun Lotto Bridge, Government Expresses Concern Over Consequences
The Federal Government has raised alarms over the substantial damage inflicted on the nearly completed Lotto Bridge Interchange on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway in Ogun State.
During an inspection of the site on Monday, Mrs. Olukorede Kesha, the Federal Controller of Works in Lagos, highlighted that the damage was caused by a low-bed articulated vehicle transporting an excavator that collided with the bridge structure.
Kesha expressed her concerns regarding the seriousness of the destruction, which transpired in the early hours of Thursday when the excavator’s boom, not properly secured, crashed against the bridge beams.
“Observations indicate that the excavator’s boom was not lowered adequately when it left the port, making it too high to pass beneath the bridge,” she noted.
The incident has resulted in damage to five bridge beams, with two of them severely compromised and requiring complete replacement.
Kesha warned that the incident would have negative repercussions for road traffic, motorists, and the economy. “To carry out repairs, we will need to close this section of the road and redirect traffic,” she explained. “Anyone familiar with the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway knows how critical this route is—traffic conditions here can be challenging.”
She added that, apart from the inconveniences, the financial implications of the repair work would be significant. “The extent of the damage is considerable, and this will come at a high cost to the nation.”
“This incident serves as a lesson; negligence can have serious consequences for millions of Nigerians. We will not tolerate such recklessness,” she asserted.
Kesha mentioned that a thorough assessment of the damage had been underway since Friday, and while no specific timeline for repairs has been established, work will start as soon as the report is submitted and approved. “We are compiling a detailed report that includes the scope of work, cost implications, and a thorough repair plan. Once we get the green light, the contractor will commence work,” she added.
Kesha also pointed out the broader issues caused by heavy-duty vehicles on Nigerian roads. She urged vehicle owners and logistics companies to take precautions and ensure their trucks meet safety and height regulations. Plans are underway to activate weighbridges at the Old Toll Gate on the expressway to monitor overloading.
“It’s not just about building good roads. Excessive speed and overloading make our roads hazardous. This incident clearly reflects negligence,” she stated. “The minimum clearance height is set at five metres; we even extended it to 5.6 to six metres because we are aware of the types of drivers in this area.”
The Lotto Bridge was nearly completed, with only the connecting ramps left to be finalized by the contractor who succeeded Julius Berger. However, this recent damage is likely to postpone the project by several months.
Kesha confirmed that the police had apprehended the driver responsible for the incident. She stated that the bridge, which was intended to alleviate traffic for commuters heading to Ikorodu, Sagamu, and Mowe, would remain closed until all necessary repairs are finalized.
“The Lotto Bridge is not yet in operation. We were preparing to open it soon, but those plans are now on hold. We will not compromise on safety; we owe it to Nigerians to deliver reliable infrastructure, and we will do everything necessary to repair the damage before opening the bridge,” Kesha concluded.
She reaffirmed the government’s commitment to maintaining public infrastructure and ensuring the safety of lives and property.
