Gridlock Alert: FG Announces Partial Closure of Kara Bridge for Urgent 14-Day Repairs

MAKOGI — Brace for heavy traffic on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway. The Federal Government has triggered a major travel advisory, announcing a two-week partial closure of the Kara Bridge to execute critical infrastructure repairs.

In a statement released on Saturday, March 7, 2026, the Federal Ministry of Works confirmed that the maintenance work will target the outbound Lagos section of the bridge. The repairs will officially commence on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, and conclude on Tuesday, March 24, 2026.

Authorities reminded motorists that opting for a physically shorter route through the construction zone will likely result in hours of standstill traffic. Drivers are urged to plan their journeys early, utilize the alternative corridors, and strictly obey the on-site traffic management officials. To enforce order, the FRSC has explicitly warned that operatives will sanction any driver caught driving against the flow of traffic (One-Way) during the repair window.

The Mission: Replacing Dangerous Expansion Joints

The sudden closure stems from the rapid deterioration of the bridge’s expansion joints, a structural defect that recently caused a series of fatal crashes and prolonged gridlocks along the critical transport corridor.

Federal Controller of Works in Ogun State, Engr. Olayiwola Komolafe, signed the advisory, confirming that the intervention falls directly under the mandate of the Minister of Works, David Umahi.

• The Work Zone: The maintenance teams will lock down the section between chainage 5+350 and 6+115 on the outbound lane.
• The Impact: To facilitate the heavy machinery and protect the construction workers, authorities will significantly narrow the road width, which will inevitably cause severe traffic bottlenecks for motorists leaving Lagos.

“The condition of the expansion joint for Kara Bridge is very poor and has been causing accidents,” officials noted, emphasizing that the temporary pain is necessary to ensure the long-term safety, durability, and stability of the highway.

Approved Alternative Routes to Escape the Gridlock

Anticipating massive traffic build-ups, the Federal Government and the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) strongly advise motorists to reroute their journeys entirely.

If you are travelling out of Lagos between March 10 and March 24, use the following approved corridors:

• For Drivers from Ikorodu: Reroute your trip through Shimawa or Mosinmi to easily access Mowe, Sagamu, and Ibadan.
• For Drivers from Lagos Island: Completely bypass the Berger/Kara axis. Instead, take the Epe corridor and connect through Ijebu Ode to reach Sagamu, Ibadan, and Mowe.

Latest Updates: Safety First

As construction equipment mobilizes to the site this weekend, the Ministry of Works issued a final warning to impatient drivers.

Authorities reminded motorists that opting for a physically shorter route through the construction zone will likely result in hours of standstill traffic. Drivers are urged to plan their journeys early, utilize the alternative corridors, and strictly obey the on-site traffic management officials. To enforce order, the FRSC has explicitly warned that operatives will sanction any driver caught driving against the flow of traffic (One-Way) during the repair window.