The Lagos State Government has officially released a detailed traffic advisory in anticipation of scheduled maintenance works on the Marine Bridge, a key transportation link connecting various parts of Lagos, particularly the Apapa axis. The upcoming repair project will be executed by the Federal Ministry of Works in collaboration with the Office of the Federal Controller of Works, Lagos.
This advisory, made public through a press release signed by the Lagos State Commissioner for Transportation, Mr. Oluwaseun Osiyemi, on the morning of Friday, May 16, 2025, serves as a directive to both private and commercial road users, emphasizing the need for cooperation and patience during the maintenance period.
The planned maintenance works involve critical structural repairs to the bridge’s bearings—components vital to the structural integrity and safety of the bridge. These repairs are deemed essential to prevent long-term deterioration, ensure public safety, and maintain the flow of commerce, especially given Marine Bridge’s importance as a key access point to the Apapa Port and surrounding industrial zones.
The project is scheduled to commence on Sunday, May 18, 2025, and is expected to be completed by Sunday, June 8, 2025, with full reopening slated for Monday, June 9, 2025.
To mitigate traffic congestion and maintain a level of continuity for vehicular movement, the maintenance works will be conducted in two distinct phases, each affecting different sections of the bridge.
Phase 1: Sunday, May 18 – Sunday, June 1, 2025
This phase will focus on the foot of the Marine Bridge along Lawani Oguntayo Road, specifically the stretch inbound to Apapa and Costain.
- Affected Route: Ijora Oloopa to Apapa
- Alternative Route: Motorists are advised to divert via the Ijora Causeway access ramp, located near Omni Retail Company, to bypass the affected section and continue their journey into Apapa.
- Traffic Management: Traffic officials will be deployed to guide vehicles and enforce compliance with detour instructions to ensure smooth passage.
Phase 2: Monday, June 2 – Sunday, June 8, 2025
This second phase will cover Ijora Badia and the Lilypond Access Ramp, again inbound to Apapa.
- Affected Routes:
- Vehicles traveling from Costain to Apapa will be redirected into a contraflow lane, which means they will temporarily use the lane usually designated for travel toward Costain.
- Vehicles coming from Ijora Oloopa to Apapa will once again use the Ijora Causeway access ramp by Omni Retail Company, merging into the Lilypond Access Road as a detour.
- Contraflow Measures: Proper signage and traffic marshals will be in place to manage the contraflow system and prevent accidents or confusion among drivers.
Commissioner Osiyemi emphasized that the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), alongside other traffic enforcement agencies, will maintain a robust presence throughout the maintenance period. Their role will include:
- Real-time traffic monitoring
- Guidance for motorists along affected routes
- Rapid response to incidents or breakdowns
- Continuous updates via traffic radio and official government communication channels
The Commissioner also reiterated the importance of cooperation from the public, urging all road users to remain patient, vigilant, and law-abiding, especially when approaching or navigating detour points.
The full reopening of Marine Bridge is scheduled for Monday, June 9, 2025, upon completion of the maintenance works. This will restore normal traffic flow and improve road safety and longevity of the bridge infrastructure.