Why Opebi-Odoiya Alaro Bridge Is Still Closed
OpenLife News reports that motorists will soon enjoy a new commuting experience on the recently completed Opebi-Odoiya Alaro Bridge once the additional monument being fitted to the structure is complete, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has said.
Sanwo-Olu made an unscheduled visit to the bridge on Sunday to personally review progress on the installation of the 25-metre steel ornament by Julius Berger, following concerns over further delays.
The Governor explained that although the iconic monument was not part of the original design, it was conceived during the last stage of construction, which delayed immediate opening to traffic.
He appealed to Lagosians to exercise a little more patience to allow safe installation of the monument, which he said would preserve the local heritage of the site and enhance the bridge’s aesthetics.
“In a recent media gathering, I mentioned that the newly completed Opebi-Odoiya Alaro Bridge would be open to traffic at the end of September based on the work plan I was briefed.
“But we are approaching the end of October and the work is yet to be completed.
“As a responsible Governor, I needed to come and find out personally what caused the delay,” Sanwo-Olu said.
“My purpose of bringing the media men to the site is to enable the public to see the size and enormity of the architectural design we are trying to fix on the bridge.
“The monument is to replicate the craft which this site has been known for, which is a cane market.
“The steel ornament is to replicate the four hands of cane weaving and reflect the history of the vocation which the site is known for.”
He said engineering is about innovation and uniqueness, noting that about 300 tonnes of steel is being installed at about 25 metres high.
“Each of the steel hands has four components, three have been fully assembled and installed.
“Installation of the final steel hand will start.
“This is an extreme engineering process. We must ensure that the steels are safely fitted before the infrastructure is open to traffic.
“That is why I have come to the site myself,” he said.
According to him, work is at 80 per cent completion, with a few more days required to install the fourth steel beam, after which other proposed features will be added.
“If we have waited this long to ensure we deliver a bridge that every Lagosian will be proud of, we cannot short-change ourselves,” he said.
The Governor commended officials of the Ministry of Works and Infrastructure and construction workers for accelerating the installation and urged them to enhance the speed of work.
He assured that the bridge would receive traffic before Yuletide.
“Over time, I can imagine how this whole project would beautify the entire corridor.
“This bridge will not only provide new commuting experience for Lagos motorists, it would also be a new site for recreation, tourism and a place of heritage,” Sanwo-Olu said.
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