Three-Month Third Mainland Bridge Rehabilitation To Begin Nov 1 — Umahi

A theee-month comprehensive rehabilitation of the 11.8-kilometer Third Mainland Bridge in Lagos would begin on November 1, according to the Minister of Works, Mr. David Umahi.

Umahi said this on Saturday, during an inspection of the under deck, lagoon sections of the Third Mainland Bridge and other bridges.

The minister who noted that the repairs would be carried out by midnight during the weekend, said the entire stretch of the Third Mainland Bridge would undergo total resurfacing with minimal discomfort to road users.

He added that patching various sections of the top surface of the bridge had led to undulating surfacing, which was not healthy for its safety, hence the need to remove and relay the entire asphaltic covering.

“We are going to mill out the excess asphalt and retain only two millimetres,” he said.

The minister said the proposed maintenance of Third Mainland Bridge, which would last three months was the first phase meant to secure the integrity as well as aesthetics of the upper deck components of the bridge.

He explained that the maintenance of the aesthetics would include replacement of the railings, installation of solar-powered lights and CCTV cameras for optimal security of the bridge.

The minister while assuring road users that the three-month maintenance work would be without discomfort to motorists, said it would take place only between midnight and 4 am and during weekends.

He added that more than one contractor would be engaged due to the emergency nature of the work, which would end in Phase Four; which will entail the repairs of deflected slabs, bearings, piers and pile caps.

The minister lamented that most of the bridges were about 60 years old and had outlived their design lifespan, hence the need for constant rehabilitation.