The Lagos State Government has officially rolled out a comprehensive 18-week maintenance schedule for the crucial Mazamaza Bridge. This essential work is a preparatory step before the bridge's eventual demolition and reconstruction, which is tied to the extension of the Blue Line Rail from Mile 2 to Okokomaiko.
Detailed Schedule and Traffic Management Plan
In a statement released by the Commissioner for Transportation, Oluwaseun Osiyemi, the state confirmed that repairs will kick off on Monday, 19 January 2026, and are scheduled to run through to Thursday, 28 May 2026. The maintenance will target the bridge's expansion joints and other critical structural components on both the Toll and Service Lanes, for traffic heading into and out of Lagos.
Authorities have assured the public that the bridge will not be completely shut down at any time. Instead, a dynamic traffic diversion plan will be implemented to manage the flow. Traffic will be rerouted across the available Toll, BRT, and Service Lanes throughout the different phases of work to minimise disruption as much as possible.
Phased Approach to Repairs
The extensive 18-week project will be executed in distinct phases:
- Preliminary Phase (24–30 January 2026): Setting up work zones and conducting final traffic assessments.
- Phases 1–4 (31 January – 30 March 2026): Concentrated repairs on the Badagry-bound (inbound) carriageway lanes.
- Phases 5–8 (31 March – 2 June 2026): Focus shifts to the Lagos-bound (outbound) carriageway lanes.
During the work on the Badagry-bound side, the BRT Corridor will be utilised when repairs affect the Toll Lane. Subsequently, the Toll Lane will serve as the diversion route when work moves to the BRT Corridor. Repairs on the Service Lane will temporarily reduce traffic to a single lane. An identical alternating pattern between the BRT and Toll Lanes will be applied during the Lagos-bound phases.
Background: Why Rebuild is Necessary
The decision for this major intervention follows a structural assessment of the bridge. In December 2024, Olasunkanmi Okusaga, Director of Rail Transport at the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA), revealed that the existing bridge structure lacks the required strength to support the planned rail operations for the Blue Line extension.
Consequently, the government has decided to rebuild the Mazamaza Bridge to modern international standards. The proposed new structure is designed to be supported by 66 piers and is expected to have a service life of at least 75 years.
Advice to Motorists and Commuters
The Lagos State Government is urging all drivers to exercise patience and caution during this period. Motorists must obey all temporary traffic signs and follow the directions provided by officials of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA). This cooperation is vital for ensuring the safety of all road users and maintaining a semblance of traffic flow along this busy corridor for the duration of the maintenance works.
