The Federal Ministry of Works has indefinitely suspended the planned rehabilitation of a section of the Kara Bridge along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway. The repair work was originally scheduled to begin on July 28, 2026, and was expected to last two weeks, covering a 1.5-kilometre stretch where the existing four-lane carriageway would have been reduced to two lanes.
Announcement of Suspension
Announcing the suspension on Tuesday, July 28, the Acting Federal Controller of Works in Ogun State, Engr. R. Adeleye, said the project had been put on hold on the directive of higher authorities, with a new date to be announced later. “I am very sorry to announce at this eleventh hour that we have put on hold the proposed Kara Bridge expansion joints repair scheduled to commence this morning, July 28, 2026, on directives from above due to some very crucial reasons,” Adeleye said. “A rescheduled date shall be announced in due course.”
Previous Traffic Advisory
Before the suspension, the Lagos State Commissioner for Transportation, Oluwaseun Osiyemi, had issued a traffic advisory informing motorists of the planned rehabilitation, which was aimed at improving the safety and durability of the bridge. He explained that the temporary lane reduction was necessary to create a safe working area for contractors. Osiyemi advised motorists to expect partial traffic disruption around the Kara area and urged them to obey traffic regulations and cooperate with traffic management officials.
Expected Congestion and Alternative Routes
The commissioner also noted that moderate traffic congestion was expected around the Fatgbems Turn area, as some motorists might make U-turns or use alternative routes to avoid delays. According to Osiyemi, traffic travelling towards Ibadan beyond Fatgbems Turn was expected to continue with minimal disruption. Motorists were advised to plan their journeys in advance, consider alternative routes where possible and comply with directives from traffic management officials.
Uncertainty and Impact
The indefinite suspension leaves thousands of daily commuters in limbo, as the Kara Bridge is a critical link on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, one of Nigeria’s busiest highways. The Federal Ministry of Works has not yet announced a new date for the rehabilitation project, raising concerns about the bridge’s condition and potential safety risks. Motorists are urged to stay tuned for further updates from the ministry.
