Motorists using the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway should prepare for limited movement as the Federal Government has approved a six-week partial closure of key sections of the road to fix damaged bridge joints.

The repair work will focus on Kara Bridge, Magboro Bridge, and Arepo–Punch Bridge, where worn-out expansion joints have become a serious safety concern.

Officials from the Federal Ministry of Works said the decision followed repeated complaints from road users about heavy traffic and accidents linked to the poor condition of the bridges, especially on the Lagos-bound lane of Kara Bridge.

Speaking at the site, the Ogun State Federal Controller of Works, Michael Komolafe, apologised to motorists for the inconvenience and assured them that traffic control measures would be strengthened to reduce chaos during the repairs.

He explained that the damaged joints had become dangerous and were partly responsible for several crashes along the corridor. According to him, the Minister of Works, David Umahi, ordered the immediate repair to prevent further loss of lives.

The contractor handling the project, Andy Duan of CBC Construction Company, said repairs on the Lagos-bound sides of Magboro and Arepo–Punch bridges have already been completed. The next phase will target the Ibadan-bound sections.
At Kara Bridge, he noted that only half of the Lagos-bound side has been fixed so far, and work will now continue on the remaining portion.

Duan added that construction equipment would be moved in over the weekend, with full repair work starting on Monday. Each bridge will be handled in stages, with half of the expansion joint expected to be completed within one week.
To ensure safety, he said warning signs, barriers and lights will be installed to protect both drivers and construction workers.

The Lagos State Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Kehinde Hamzat, appealed to road users to remain patient and obey traffic rules during the repair period.

He warned against driving against traffic and said offenders would be punished. Hamzat stressed that the repair work was unavoidable, as the damaged joints had created deep gaps on the bridges and increased the risk of accidents, especially around Kara Bridge.

The Lagos–Ibadan Expressway is one of Nigeria’s busiest highways, linking Lagos to several states in the Southwest and beyond. Over time, constant traffic pressure has weakened parts of the bridges, forcing the government to carry out urgent rehabilitation to prevent further breakdown and improve safety.