The Federal Ministry of Works has announced a 14-day closure of the first Niger Bridge to enable it to carry out emergency maintenance and rehabilitation works. DailyVista247 learnt that the closure will take effect from Monday, September 7 and is expected to last until Monday, September 21.
The Acting Federal Controller of Works in Anambra, Mr Timothy Emenike, disclosed this in an interview with newsmen in Awka on Friday. He said the general public, especially motorists who use the bridge, should take note of the closure and advised motorists and commuters to use the second Niger Bridge during the period of the maintenance.
According to the ministry, the decision followed an inspection of the bridge by the Minister of Works, David Umahi, during which concerns were raised over the deteriorating condition of some sections. The ministry disclosed that parts of the bridge had been vandalised, with bolts, nuts and iron components removed in some areas, noting that the carriageway surface and some structural components required urgent attention.
The planned works include milling and removal of deteriorated asphalt surfacing, laying an approximately 40mm asphalt wearing course and carrying out associated maintenance and safety works. It added that the intervention was aimed at providing a safer and more durable road surface, improving movement across the bridge and easing the traffic challenges currently associated with the corridor.
The rehabilitation will also include the installation of solar-powered streetlights and closed-circuit television cameras to monitor activities on the bridge and deter vandalism. According to the ministry, SKECC, the contractor handling the Onitsha-Enugu Dual Carriageway, has been directed to undertake the emergency repairs.
The ministry said traffic diversion arrangements, road signs, safety barriers and traffic-control personnel would be deployed to guide motorists during the closure. It urged motorists to obey temporary traffic signs and diversion instructions, reduce speed around construction and diversion zones and avoid reckless overtaking.
Emenike regretted the inconvenience the closure of the bridge would cause to motorists and commuters. According to him, the work will be carried out day and night to ensure its speedy completion. He urged motorists to cooperate with authorities and obey diversion signs to ensure minimal discomfort during the period, while also appealing to residents, businesses and other road users to cooperate with the temporary traffic arrangements.
Motorists and other road users are hereby advised and directed to use the second Niger Bridge route through Obosi towards Asaba, Delta State and other destinations beyond, throughout the closure period. The first Niger Bridge connects Anambra and Delta states and remains a major route for motorists travelling between the South-East and other parts of the country, while the second Niger Bridge was commissioned to ease pressure on the old bridge and provide an alternative route for travellers. The Federal Government said the maintenance is aimed at ensuring safety and preserving the structure of the bridge for continued use.
