Lagos won't close Apapa-Oshodi Expressway — Johnson

Ahead of massive engineering build up on the construction of Itire-Okota Link Bridge across the Apapa-Oshodi highway at Cele Bus Stop, fears of another total closure of a federal highway have been doused by the state government.

The anxiety on the pains of a possible shot down just few weeks after the total reopening of the Third Mainland Bridge was coming from a report in the media that the state government is set to close another federal highway.

But the Lagos State Government has denied plans to close down the Apapa Oshodi Expressway, saying it only plans a partial diversion of traffic on a small portion of the road to allow for the construction of the Itire- Okota link Bridge which is aimed at relieving the people of Alimosho, Ejigbo and okota axis as well as reduce pressure on the already over used Isolo-Mushin link Bridge.

The Special Adviser to the Governor on Works and Infrastructure, Engineer Ganiyu Johnson who gave this clarification in a chat with Daily Champion said everything has been put in place to ensure smooth flow of traffic and minimum discomfort to commuters during the exercise.

He was clear on explaining that even though the Apapa-Oshodi Expressway is in worst stage of disrepairs, "the state is not carrying out any repairs on the federal highway as touted in some quarters".

Engineer Johnson further explained that the State Government is to work for now, just only on 40 meters along the service lane of the Oshodi- Bound section of the Apapa Expressway which is between Ijesha and Cele Bus Stop, while the Main carriageway of the Expressway will still be available to Motorists for use.

He further clarified that "no work is being carried out presently on the Apapa bound section of the Road for now, and this will be available for use for all motorists who are Apapa bound".

The Special Adviser revealed that "the time frame for the present exercise is to be carried out is only for 45days for this segment, while the project works will be shifted to the service lane of the other side of the Expressway after the completion of the first phase".

He however disclosed that "while the Construction work is on –going, the State Government has provided alternative routes for those who chose not to use the main carriageway of the expressway which will still remain open during this period.

"The Optional Alternative Routes (OAR) for those who chose not to use the main carriageway in the Oshodi bound section are Adesina Street or Agunlejika- Ijesha- Ogunlana Street-Omolola/Shofolahan/Ola Street- Adedeji Street- Odo-Eran-Onitire Road-Apapa- Oshodi Expressway.

He noted that motorists can also make use of other alternative routes like Agulejika - Omilani Street- Enitan Street-Agboyin Street- Adelabu Street -Masha- Ogunlana Drive- Itire-Lawanson – Apapa-oshodi Expressway.

Johnson therefore assured Lagos road users that the State Government has deployed over 200 LASTMA officials and other traffic officers to maintain sanity during this period, while diversion signs have also been provided to aid motorists during the period.