The Federal Government has announced an indefinite delay in the commissioning of the Lotto Bridge Interchange on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, following major structural damage caused by a truck accident.
The Federal Controller of Works in Lagos, Mrs. Olukorede Kesha, confirmed the setback on Monday during a site inspection.
According to reports, a low-bed truck carrying an excavator collided with the nearly completed bridge in the early hours of Thursday, damaging five structural beams.
“Two of the beams are beyond repair. This unfortunate incident will delay the project by several months,” Kesha stated.
Prior to the crash, the bridge was in its final phase, awaiting the completion of connecting ramps. A new contractor had taken over from Julius Berger to wrap up the interchange, which is a key component of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway modernisation.
The Federal Ministry of Works has since launched a technical assessment, which began on Friday, to evaluate the full scope of damage and determine the necessary repairs.
Once the assessment is approved, the contractor will begin immediate remedial work.
The truck driver involved in the collision has been arrested, and the government is using the incident as a warning to logistics firms and truck operators.
“Operators must comply with height restrictions and loading limits. Violations like this can set back critical infrastructure for months,” Kesha said.
She also announced the activation of weighbridges at the Old Toll Gate and other key locations to enforce compliance with load and height regulations.
The delay in the opening of the Lotto Bridge will have broader consequences beyond construction timelines. It is expected to impact traffic flow, regional logistics, and economic activity along the crucial expressway, which connects Lagos to Nigeria’s southwest and northern regions.
“Public safety is our top priority,” Kesha said. “The bridge will only reopen when it is fully repaired and certified safe for motorists.”
