Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has assured motorists that the newly completed Opebi-Odoiya Alaro Bridge will be fully operational before the holiday period, following delays caused by the ongoing installation of a steel monument at the project site.
The governor gave the assurance after visiting the location to assess the level of work and understand the reasons behind the delay. The bridge was earlier expected to open to traffic by the end of September, based on the initial work schedule presented to him.
Sanwo-Olu explained that the installation of the monument, which is designed to preserve the history of the area’s former Cane Village, has contributed to the delay in opening the road to motorists.
According to him, the 25-metre steel structure is intended to celebrate the cultural heritage of the community, which was once widely known for its cane market. The design features four hands of cane weaving, representing the area’s historical connection with the trade and serving as a new landmark along the corridor.
The governor disclosed that three of the four steel components had been fully assembled and fitted, while work was ongoing on the final section. He added that the monument was approximately 80 per cent complete, with only a few more days of work required to finish the installation.
He stressed that safety remained the administration’s priority, noting that the road could not be opened until all components of the structure had been securely installed.
Sanwo-Olu acknowledged the inconvenience caused by the delay, particularly for motorists who use the route, and appealed to residents to exercise patience while the remaining work was completed.
He maintained that the project would provide a smoother travelling experience for road users while adding aesthetic value to the surrounding environment.
The governor’s visit underscores the state government’s commitment to monitoring infrastructure projects and ensuring that completed facilities meet safety standards before being opened to the public.
The Opebi-Odoiya Alaro Bridge is expected to improve movement along the corridor and provide motorists with a more convenient commuting experience once it becomes fully operational.