President Bola Tinubu has approved N21 billion for the emergency rehabilitation of the Third Mainland Bridge in Lagos State.

The Minister of Works, David Umahi, made the disclosure during the flagging off the rehabilitation works in Lagos on Wednesday.

Umahi said the rehabilitation of the Third Mainland Bridge became necessary following further examination of the extent of the work required on the bridge.

The minister said: “It, therefore, became imperative to expand the scope of works beyond the subsisting scope of work as awarded to accommodate the additional works and quantities of work items needed to restore the integrity and serviceability of this very important bridge.

“This led to the expansion of the scope of the contract to allow for necessary remedial structural works beyond the initial limited scope, culminating in the award of a new contract to Messrs CCECC Nigeria Limited in the sum of N21,047,430,431.71, which is being flagged off today.

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“It is my pleasure to inform you today that Mr. President, in keeping with his promise of Renewed Hope for all Nigerians, has approved and provided the funds needed for the completion of the project.”

The scope of works to be covered by the contract includes the milling of existing asphaltic surface; provision of asphaltic concrete wearing course on the carriageway across the entire bridge length and ramps to a compacted thickness of 50 milimetres; removal and replacement of worm-out expansion joints on the carriageway; removal of all existing guard rails and installation of new ones; painting of guardrails, curb surface and concrete banners; lane marking using thermoplastic material; and installation of solar powered street lights for proper illumination.

Umahi, however, assured Lagosians that the project, when completed, would ameliorate the suffering of commuters and all road users who ply the bridge.

He added: “The resurfaced deck will ensure a smooth ending surface that will reduce the spate of accidents and reduce wear and tear of vehicles; solar-powered street fights will ensure proper illumination of the entire stretch of the bridge for safety; security and aesthetics; painting of the curbs and concrete barriers will give the bridge a new aesthetic look.

“We intend to deliver this project in a systematic manner that will cause only minimal discomfort to road users.

“In this regard, the contractor has been directed to also work at night to ensure that the project is delivered within the shortest possible time.

“Also, a comprehensive traffic management plan has been put in place by the Federal Ministry of Works, working jointly with Lagos State officials.”

The Star