Gridlock Looms As Berger Begins Three-Month Diversion On Lagos-Ibadan Expressway

Motorists and commuters plying the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway may face heavy traffic in the Lagos-Shagamu axis of the highway as the contractor, Julius Berger Nigeria PLC, is set to embark on major work on the project.

The construction company said the major road diversion, which will last for three months, would allow for detailed work on sections of the expressway.

The Publisher Nigeria gathered that the Project Team for the reconstruction and rehabilitation of the expressway said there would be traffic diversion at two locations for the continuation of the ongoing bridge works at Eldorado and Lotto Junction.

The Eldorado diversion would take place in two phases with the Phase 1, including temporary diversion of traffic on Ibadan-bound carriageway, from a section before Eldorado, CH 37+500 to a section after Eldorado, CH 37+900 (400m stretch).

According to a statement by the Head of Media Relations Office of Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, Moses Duku, the first phase will take place between July 26, 2021 and July 30, 2021 for the installation of cross beams on both sides of the expressway, after which both sides of the expressway will be reopened to traffic.

The statement read in part, “In addition, beginning from August 9, 2021 through to November 9, 2021 the Phase 2 of the diversion will be implemented for the installation of deck slabs, parapets and hand railings on both sides of the Eldorado Flyover.

“Also, effective from July 30, 2021, Lagos-bound traffic will be diverted to the Ibadan-bound carriageway, from a section before Lotto Junction, CH 24+800 to a section at Deeper Life Conference Centre, CH 23+800, with two lanes each in opposite direction using temporary median dividers. The purpose of the diversion is to allow for the safe installation of cross beams, bridge deck slabs and parapets on the ongoing bridge works on the Ibadan-bound carriageway, which will last for 12 weeks.”

Duku said the LSE Project Team, conscious of the road traffic implications of the intended works on road users plying this strategic and ever-busy expressway, had finalised plans to put mitigating measures in place ahead of the commencement of works.

He said such mitigating measures would include display of advanced warning signs for road narrowing and for necessary speed restriction.

Duku further stated that the Julius Berger LSE Project Team would provide flagmen and suitable illuminated diversion points at night, including flashing lights and sufficient reflective road signs.

He added, “Julius Berger emergency response crew will be on standby for 24/7 emergency response services with well-established lines of communication between various agencies, including the Nigeria Police, FRSC, TRACE and other relevant stakeholders that have emergency response teams.

“As is the usual professional procedure of Julius Berger, the diversions to be implemented will be to the highest traffic management and safety standard. Nevertheless, it is essential that all persons using the expressway should reasonably obey all road traffic rules and proceed in a manner that is safe and considerate for the benefit of all road users.”