The Federal Government will commence construction of a new Carter Bridge in Lagos this month while accelerating rehabilitation works on the Eko Bridge as part of efforts to strengthen critical transport infrastructure across the country.
Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, disclosed this on Thursday during an inspection of ongoing federal road and bridge projects in Lagos, expressing confidence that rehabilitation of the Eko Bridge would be completed before the end of the year.
According to the minister, the Ministry has adopted the use of T-beams instead of conventional concrete beams to speed up reconstruction without compromising engineering standards or public safety.
He said excavation work is also ongoing beneath the bridge to achieve the standard 5.6-metre headroom required for heavy-duty trucks, adding that all future federal bridge projects would be designed with a higher clearance of 6.5 metres.
Umahi attributed the deterioration of the bridge to repeated collisions involving heavy-duty trucks, fire incidents caused by illegal trading activities beneath the bridge, and unauthorised sand dredging around its foundations.
To curb further abuse of public infrastructure, he directed the Federal Controller of Works in Lagos to establish a task force to stop illegal parking of trucks and all forms of unauthorised activities beneath bridge structures.
The minister disclosed that the Federal Government is seeking about ₦12 billion for emergency intervention works to stabilise critical sections of the bridge, while an ongoing contract valued at approximately ₦18 billion covers underwater repairs and the replacement of damaged structural components.
On the proposed Carter Bridge, Umahi said preparations had reached an advanced stage, commending China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) for mobilising equipment and personnel to site ahead of receiving the statutory mobilisation payment.
He said the contractor’s commitment had demonstrated its readiness to partner with the Federal Government, adding that the Ministry would proceed with processing the required 30 per cent mobilisation fee.
Umahi also praised Advanced Engineering Consultant (AEC) for reviewing the bridge alignment and resolving major engineering and stakeholder concerns, including issues affecting the Oba of Lagos’ Palace and other sensitive locations.
According to him, the new Carter Bridge will incorporate modern engineering features, including two 105-metre navigation spans to improve water transportation and a cable-supported bridge structure built to international standards.
He disclosed that site activities would begin on Monday, while full mobilisation for the project is expected before the end of the month.
The minister also highlighted other major infrastructure projects being implemented under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, revealing that funds had been released for Section One of the 125-kilometre Agwanga–Jos Legacy Road Project.
He added that the Gombe–Biu Road contract had been awarded, while the design of the Gombe–Bauchi Road is currently underway.
Responding to criticism of President Tinubu’s administration, Umahi dismissed claims by some political opponents that they were better qualified to lead the country, insisting that the President’s record in infrastructure development speaks for itself.
“Talk is very cheap,” the minister said, maintaining that effective leadership is measured by the courage to confront challenges and deliver practical solutions.
Earlier, the Director of Advanced Engineering Consultant, Mr. Olatinwo Tomilola Alatinwo, said the redesigned bridge alignment would minimise disruption to surrounding communities while expanding the central navigation spans from 75 metres to about 105 metres on each side.
He added that the new Carter Bridge would have a height of 12 metres to accommodate both current and future transportation demands along the corridor.
Also speaking, the Project Manager of China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation Nigeria Limited, Mr. Dang Yinan, assured the Federal Government that the company was fully prepared to commence work on schedule, with site access expected to begin next week.
