Скачать или смотреть Lagos: Nigerian govt approves partial demolition of Iddo Bridge

Plans have been concluded for the partial demolition of the Iddo Bridge in Lagos, with reconstruction works set to commence next week as part of efforts to overhaul the ageing infrastructure.  The Regional Manager of Julius Berger Nigeria, Mr Thomas Christl, disclosed this on Sunday during an inspection of the bridge by the Minister of Works, Senator Dave Umahi.  Christl explained that structural assessments revealed severe damage to key sections of the bridge, necessitating the replacement of three spans to ensure safety and durability.  “Three spans of the existing Iddo Bridge are heavily damaged and must be replaced,” he said.  According to him, the reconstruction will be executed in phases to limit traffic disruption.  He noted that the two carriageways would be separated, allowing work to proceed on one section while traffic is diverted to the other.  “What we are doing now is to separate the two directions. By next week, traffic will be diverted to one side of the bridge, while one half will be demolished and rebuilt,” Christl explained.  He added that once reconstruction of the first section is completed, traffic would be redirected to the new portion to allow demolition and rebuilding of the second half.  “By the end of March, traffic will likely be moved onto the newly completed side, after which the remaining section will be demolished and reconstructed,” he said.  Christl further disclosed that complementary works are already ongoing beneath the bridge, including upgrades to the drainage system and underpass.  “We have commenced drainage works, and the outfall into the lagoon has already been completed,” he said.  He explained that after completing the drainage, the soil beneath the bridge would be excavated to lower the road level, thereby increasing clearance and preventing trucks from crashing into the structure, a major cause of previous damage.  Commenting on the state of the bridge, Senator Umahi attributed part of the deterioration to a fire incident triggered by illegal activities under the bridge, which affected several spans.  “Six spans were affected by the fire. What we have done is to re-asphalt one carriageway so that traffic can be fully diverted there, after which three spans on the other carriageway will be removed,” Umahi said.  “Once that is completed, traffic will be diverted back, and we will proceed to demolish and reconstruct the second carriageway,” he added.  The minister disclosed that the reconstruction project, estimated at about N15 billion, is expected to be completed by June.  He explained that one of the major design improvements involves increasing the bridge’s headroom from about 4.5 metres to the minimum required clearance of 5.6 metres.  “That clearance is critical, and we are working towards achieving it,” Umahi said.  He expressed satisfaction with the progress of work so far, noting that a bypass route has already been constructed to ease movement.  “Julius Berger is doing well, but I do