The Federal Ministry of Works and Housing has reopened the closed section of the Murtala Muhammad Bridge, Jamata on the Abuja-Lokoja Expressway to ease traffic congestion during the yuletide.
Engr. Kajogbola Jimoh, Federal Controller of Works in Kogi State, said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria on Thursday in Lokoja.
Kajogbola said though the rehabilitation work on the dual carriage bridge was yet to be completed, a substantial part of the Lokoja-bound portion had been done.
He said what was left is the fixing of the expansion joints, which the contractor said were being imported.
He said the reopening of the bridge was to address the heavy vehicular movement during the festivity.
“If the closed section is not opened, Nigerians will suffer during this festive period and that is why we are insisting that they should open it for now till when the contractor is able to get the new expansion joints,” he said.
Kajogbola said the Ministry was collaborating with Federal Road Safety Corps officials and the contractor to remove the barricades and redirect the traffic.
He pointed out that the reopening was an interim arrangement, saying: “This is just temporary reopening.
“The work is for two years and the contractor has not spent up to a year.
“So, it’s just to let Nigerians know that the Federal Government cares about them and that we are working and to tell them what stage we are on the project.”
The Controller appealed to motorists to be patient, resist temptation to drive against traffic and keep their vehicles in good condition to avoid breakdown.
(NAN)
