Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has attributed the delayed opening of the Opebi-Odoiya Alaro Bridge to the installation of a 25-metre-high steel monument, assuring residents that the infrastructure will be available for use during the Christmas season.
The governor gave the assurance on Sunday during an unscheduled inspection of the bridge, following concerns over the failure to open the facility to motorists as earlier promised.
Sanwo-Olu had previously announced that the bridge would become operational by the end of September, but additional construction work has pushed the opening beyond the projected date.
Speaking during the visit, he explained that the monument was introduced during the final stages of construction and was not included in the bridge’s original design.
According to him, the additional structure is intended to preserve the historical identity of the area, which is associated with cane weaving and trading.
The steel installation will feature four hands representing the traditional craft, reflecting the cultural heritage of the surrounding community.
Sanwo-Olu disclosed that the monument involves approximately 300 tonnes of steel, with the structure rising about 25 metres above the bridge.
He said three of the four major components had already been assembled and installed, while work on the final section was expected to commence shortly.
The governor described the installation as a complex engineering operation requiring careful execution to guarantee public safety.
“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.
He acknowledged public concerns about the delay, explaining that his inspection was intended to establish the reasons for the outstanding work.
Sanwo-Olu placed the installation’s completion level at 80 per cent and said the remaining construction activities would require a few more days.
Additional architectural features are expected to be incorporated after the final steel component has been secured.
The governor appealed to residents to remain patient, insisting that rushing the opening could compromise the quality and safety of the project.
He maintained that the completed bridge would provide more than an alternative route for motorists, describing it as a potential landmark for tourism and recreation.
Sanwo-Olu also commended officials of the Ministry of Works and Infrastructure and construction workers involved in the project.
However, he urged the contractors, Julius Berger, to accelerate the outstanding work without compromising engineering standards.
The governor expressed confidence that the bridge would be accessible during the Yuletide period, although he did not announce a specific opening date.
He said the completed infrastructure would improve commuting along the corridor while showcasing the cultural history of the former cane market.
For motorists awaiting the bridge’s opening, attention now turns to the completion of the monument and the final safety preparations required before traffic can be permitted.
Ezeana Emmanuel
