By Suad Ayinla
Edited by Bababunmi Agbebi
The Federal Government is set to begin a two-week rehabilitation of the expansion joints on the Kara Bridge along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway from Tuesday, September 8, 2026. The repair is expected to address the deteriorated joints on the busy bridge and improve safety for motorists who use the major route daily.
The Acting Federal Controller of Works in Ogun State, Engr. Richard Adeleye, announced the planned intervention during an inspection of the affected section. He said the rehabilitation would be carried out in phases to reduce the impact on traffic and allow motorists to continue using the expressway while the work is ongoing.
During the first phase, one side of the carriageway will be closed to traffic while vehicles are directed through the available section. The repair is expected to move to the other side after about a week. The entire work is projected to take two weeks, including the time required for the repaired sections to properly cure.
The Kara Bridge is located along one of Nigeria’s busiest highways, connecting Lagos to Ogun and other parts of the country. Thousands of motorists use the route every day, making any restriction around the area a potential source of traffic delays, particularly during peak travel periods.
Authorities have advised motorists to cooperate with traffic management officials and obey diversion and lane-control instructions throughout the rehabilitation period. Agencies including the Federal Road Safety Corps, Lagos State Traffic Management Authority and Ogun State traffic authorities are expected to assist with traffic management around the construction area.
The rehabilitation is coming after concerns over the condition of the bridge’s expansion joints. Officials have warned that allowing the damaged joints to deteriorate further could pose safety risks to motorists and potentially lead to more extensive damage to the structure.
While the repairs are expected to cause some disruption, completing the work within the announced two-week period will be important for motorists who rely on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway. As traffic builds up around the Kara axis, will the planned rehabilitation be completed on schedule without turning into another prolonged traffic nightmare for commuters?
