The Federal Government has reopened the Independence Bridge in Lagos after completing emergency repairs, bringing relief to thousands of commuters affected by the recent closure.
The bridge was initially shut down on April 1, 2025, due to the collapse of the approach slab—a failure linked to a faulty cantilever design and sand fill leakage underneath the structure. Minister of Works, David Umahi, revealed the design flaw was responsible for the structural breakdown, which created severe traffic congestion in Lagos Island and its environs.
In response to the chaos and public outcry, Umahi ordered the immediate reopening of the bridge and admitted that proper notice wasn’t given to the public prior to its closure. To prevent future occurrences, he announced a new national protocol for road and bridge closures. Under the new procedure, controllers will be required to submit drone footage, outline technical issues, propose alternative routes, and ensure residents are informed ahead of time.
Despite the reopening, the Minister confirmed that permanent reconstruction of the bridge is scheduled to begin in the next three weeks. The plan includes redesigning the structure as a one-span bridge, eliminating lateral pressure on the abutments and addressing unknown factors such as piling depth.
Meanwhile, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu visited the site and apologized to residents for the distress caused by the sudden closure and traffic gridlock. He promised improved communication on future road projects and reaffirmed the state’s commitment to infrastructure safety.
Motorists are advised to remain patient and follow traffic advisories as more work is planned in the weeks ahead to ensure long-term stability of the bridge.
