Motorists and commuters using the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway have continued to face severe traffic congestion following the commencement of rehabilitation works on the Kara Bridge.
The two-week repair project, ordered by the Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, involves the replacement of deteriorating expansion joints on the bridge to improve safety and strengthen the structure.
The rehabilitation began on September 8, 2026, after it was earlier suspended to allow authorities to review traffic management plans following concerns over the short notice given to motorists.
Under the arrangement, one half of the affected section will be closed at a time, while traffic will use the other half.
However, the repairs have resulted in hours-long delays for motorists and commuters along the busy Lagos-Ogun corridor.
By Wednesday, traffic had stretched beyond Otedola Bridge and 7Up Junction, with congestion extending towards the Toll Gate area and other parts of Lagos.
Several commuters reported spending hours on the road, while some motorists complained that traffic control measures were inadequate to cope with the large volume of vehicles.
A Lagos State civil servant, Modinat Lawal, said she had been stuck in traffic since 4pm, describing the situation as frustrating and costly because motorists were forced to burn large quantities of fuel while remaining stationary.
Another commuter, Aina Abiola, said commercial transport fares had increased significantly, with some operators reportedly hiking fares by as much as 150 per cent.
As of 6pm on Wednesday, personnel from the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) and Ogun State Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Corps (TRACE) were deployed around the Kara axis to control traffic.
LASTMA deploys more personnel
LASTMA General Manager, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, said additional personnel had been deployed to improve traffic flow.
According to the agency, the repairs are necessary because of the deteriorating condition of the bridge and the need to prevent possible accidents.
LASTMA said it had carried out awareness campaigns ahead of the project and deployed personnel alongside the FRSC, police and TRACE.
The agency also advised motorists to obey diversion signs and follow instructions from traffic officers.
Motorists travelling out of Lagos were advised to consider alternative routes, including Ikorodu Road to Ikorodu Roundabout and then Sagamu Road or Itokin Road towards Ijebu-Ode.
Other suggested alternatives include the Ikorodu-Ogijo-Simawa route and the Lagos-Abeokuta Expressway through Sango, Ifo and Papa before reconnecting with the interchange.
LASTMA also said tow trucks had been strategically positioned along the expressway to remove broken-down vehicles and other obstructions quickly.
The agency appealed to motorists to remain patient, stressing that the rehabilitation is expected to last a maximum of two weeks.
TRACE appeals for patience
TRACE spokesperson, Babatunde Akinbiyi, also urged motorists to cooperate with traffic officials throughout the repair period.
He said the agency had anticipated possible congestion and issued a traffic advisory before the commencement of the project.
Akinbiyi advised motorists without urgent business along the corridor to avoid the route temporarily, while those who must use it should follow the instructions of traffic management officials.
He said the repairs were necessary to improve road safety and ensure smoother movement along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.
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