FG reopens Apapa Bridge to ease traffic

The Federal Government on Saturday opened the Apapa Bridge to light traffic as the emergency repair works being carried out on it reached ``milestone.

A statement signed by Mr Hakeem Bello, Special Adviser, Communications, to the Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Mr Babatunde Fashola said that the bridge was re-opened on Saturday evening.

Fashola said that the bridge was opened after repairs on it ``attained a milestone’’.

``Also completed is the placement of height restriction gantry in order to ensure only light traffic can access the bridge.

``The bridge is now open to light traffic while repair works continue on the diversions,’’ he said.

The minister said that consistency of construction giant, Julius Berger Nig. Ltd, and the dedication of officials of the Federal Ministry Works, who supervised the project, led to the timely completion of emergency works.

He explained that a temporary coverage of the failed concrete bridge deck section was completed on Saturday including repairs of the approach to the bridge.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that the ministry closed the bridge for emergency repairs on Aug. 8 after an inspection and a meeting with relevant stakeholders.

An integrity test was carried out on the bridge on Monday towards commencement of permanent repair works.

NAN reports that the bridge abutment, some of its columns and a portion of the bridge deck had failed due to a fire outbreak beneath it.