KARA BRIDGE TO CLOSE FOR 14 DAYS! Motorists on the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway face fresh traffic pressure as FG moves to replace damaged expansion joints.
AWC NEWS AND CURRENT AFFAIRS DESK
The Federal Government has announced a two-week repair programme on the Kara Bridge section of the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway, with work scheduled to begin on Tuesday, September 8, 2026.
The intervention is targeted at replacing deteriorated expansion joints that have exceeded their expected service life and have become a safety concern for motorists using one of Nigeria’s busiest transportation corridors. Officials say the damaged joints have also contributed to accidents in the area.
According to the Federal Ministry of Works, the rehabilitation will be carried out in phases rather than completely shutting the entire bridge. Initially, one half of the affected section will be closed while traffic moves slowly through the available carriageway under controlled conditions. After approximately one week, work will shift to the other side.
Traffic management personnel from the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Ogun State traffic authorities and Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) are expected to be deployed around the construction zone to manage diversions and reduce congestion.
Motorists travelling towards Ibadan have been advised to consider alternative routes, including the Ikorodu–Ogijo axis and suitable roads around Sango and Abeokuta, where applicable. Officials have also urged motorists whose journeys are not urgent to consider avoiding the corridor during the repair period.
The repair is expected to affect about 100 metres of the highway, and officials say the replacement expansion joints could remain effective for an estimated 10 to 20 years.
The Kara Bridge is a critical component of the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway, a major economic artery linking Lagos with Ogun and other parts of southwestern Nigeria. Consequently, even a partial restriction at the bridge can have significant consequences for commuters, freight operators, traders and businesses along the corridor.
The latest repair announcement follows previous interventions and postponements, with authorities citing concerns over how to manage the enormous volume of traffic using the route.
For motorists, the immediate message is clear:
Expect delays, plan ahead and leave earlier.
For the government, the challenge will be ensuring that the promised two-week intervention is completed on schedule—without allowing the repair itself to become another prolonged source of congestion on one of Nigeria’s most important highways.
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