The Lagos State Government has responded swiftly to a recent incident concerning the Alapere Pedestrian Bridge by temporarily closing the bridge and commencing immediate remedial works on sections that needed urgent attention.
The intervention was prompted by a viral video revealing cracks on various sections of the bridge, which had been in a functional, safe and useful condition for well over fifteen years until this unfortunate event.
According to a statement, a team of Lagos State Government’s officials from the Ministry of Works and Infrastructure and Public Works Corporation conducted a joint inspection to assess the degree of damage to the bridge.
The statement was signed by the ministry’s spokesperson, Shina Odunuga.
He said the team, led by the Permanent Secretary, Office of Infrastructure, Engr. Olufemi Daramola, decided to temporarily close the Alapere Pedestrian Bridge in the interest of public safety while assessing the situation, conducting tests and effecting immediate repairs as applicable.
According to eyewitness accounts, the damage to the bridge occurred when an articulated low-bed truck attempted to navigate the bridge while carrying heavy-duty equipment that exceeded the provided standard design headroom of 5.4 meters.
At this juncture, the incident brings to mind similar occurrences at Alakija-Trade Fair and Apapa Oshodi within the past year.
“Public infrastructure is being negatively impacted due to the recklessness of road transporters who fail to adhere to international best practices while driving articulated vehicles.
“Distressingly, this is the third bridge that has experienced damage in a short period, posing challenges to our infrastructural growth, especially given the limited resources of the state government,” the statement read.
However, investigations have revealed that the damage can be quickly managed and remedial works were already initiated to ensure prompt reopening of the bridge, subject to continued close observations of the bridge.
“In line with our commitment to ensuring safety on our roads, the Lagos State Government will continue to explore viable safety measures chief of which will be the implementation of advanced sensor technology to mitigate the risk of such events in the future,” it read
However, commuters and the general public have been urged to adhere strictly to traffic regulations and guidelines for safety while further updates on the status of the Alapere Pedestrian Bridge and any further action will be communicated promptly to the public as part of the government’s commitment to continued civic engagement.
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