- Closure and Reopening: The Federal Government closed the Independence Bridge on April 1, 2025, for essential maintenance and rehabilitation works, but later ordered its immediate reopening due to prolonged gridlock .
- Duration of Closure: The bridge was initially scheduled to remain closed until the end of May 2025 .
- Alternative Routes: Motorists were advised to use alternative routes to avoid traffic congestion, including Ozumba Mbadiwe Avenue, Akin Adesola Street, Falomo Roundabout, and Obafemi Awolowo Road .
- Impact on Commuters: The closure caused significant gridlock, with commuters spending hours trapped in traffic, and some resorting to ferry transportation .
- Government’s Assurance: The Federal Ministry of Works apologized for the inconvenience and assured that efforts were underway to implement palliative measures on the reopened bridge .
The Independence Bridge in Lagos remains closed due to ongoing rehabilitation work, despite the Federal Government’s directive to reopen it. The Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, had ordered the reopening on Wednesday, but the bridge was still closed on Thursday morning, causing persistent gridlock in the area .
According to the Federal Controller of Works in Lagos, Mrs. Olukorede Kesha, the closure is necessary to repair a section of the bridge that has been cut off and requires urgent attention. The bridge’s closure, which began on April 1, 2025, is scheduled to last until the end of May .
Motorists and commuters have been severely affected, with some spending hours trapped in gridlock. To mitigate the impact, the Lagos State Government has advised motorists without urgent business on the Island to avoid the Independence Bridge area and provided alternative routes.
Alternative Routes:
- To Victoria Island from Ahmadu Bello Way: Use Ozumba Mbadiwe Avenue, Akin Adesola Street, Falomo Roundabout, and Obafemi Awolowo Road.
- To Third Mainland Bridge: Follow Ozumba Mbadiwe Avenue, Akin Adesola Street, Alfred Rewane Road, Osborne Road, and Ring Road.
- To Inner Marina and CMS: Take Ozumba Mbadiwe Avenue, Akin Adesola Street, Falomo Roundabout, Obafemi Awolowo Road, and J.K. Randle Road.
Commuters have resorted to ferry transportation to avoid the gridlock, with the Ipakodo Jetty in Ikorodu seeing heavy passenger traffic. However, operations were briefly disrupted by a fire outbreak that gutted a LAGFERRY boat, injuring nine passengers.
