Caution As Maryland-Opebi-Ojota Link Bridge Nears Completion

By Akinola Israel Ayomide

One construction site in Lagos State currently the centre of attention is the 4,52 kilometre Maryland-Opebi-Ojota Link Bridge.

The project which is expected to bring great release to the traffic burden on that axis of the state is being handled by leading road construction giant, Julius Berger in collaboration with the with the Lagos State Ministry of Works and Infrastructure.

The expected relief of the bridge to motorists has become a source of excitement to many.

An official of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), Mrs. Salisu Zainab, who spoke to our correspondent at Salvation Bus Stop section, expressed concern about the tendency of some motorists to jump lanes indiscriminately.

“there are some drivers that are not staying on their lane, preferring instead to take illegal routes which can cause so much traffic congestion”.

According to her, there are other risks of mounting the post, like “the stress, to the fumes coming out of the trucks being used for the construction work, it endangers their health”.

Generally however, she believes the advantages of the new road outweigh the disadvantages: “once there is free flow of traffic, emergency vehicles can go freely”.

Mr. Jaji Akeem Opeyemi, who is also an official of the LASTMA at the Adebola House area of Opebi said, “In good faith, I hope the road users especially the drivers will obey the traffic rules after the construction has been completed.”

“The traffic controls will be at Salvation Bus Stop and Opebi Roundabout, as it will give a free flow of traffic”, he added.

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For a resident who simply identified herself as Ms. Blessing, a trader: “it will be easy for motorists to move freely, and there will be reduction of traffic jam, rather than it had always been.”

Another resident and trader at Opebi area, Mrs. Olabisi Balogun, on what she feels about the new bridge project said:  “yes, firstly, I appreciate the Lagos State government for this thoughtful initiative.

“The project would be helpful to road users as it would reduce the rate of gridlock they face everyday, and aid easy movements”.

Also, Foreman of the Earth Work Department for Ronabel Construction Company, Mr. Omosanya Adedoyin spoke on the expansion of the road.

He mentioned that expansion would be a key addition given that a lot of vehicles would be coming all the way from the Maryland-Opebi-Ojota Link Bridge, likewise the Sheraton Link bridge onward Opebi-Allen. He said many factors had added to delaying the completion of the project

He mentioned safety precautions while controlling traffic, as one of those things put into considerations.