In a bid to ease growing traffic congestion caused by ongoing repair works, the Lagos State Government has announced the temporary suspension of Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) lane enforcement along the Eko Bridge and Odo Iya-Alaro corridor.
The decision, which takes immediate effect, is aimed at alleviating gridlock resulting from the structural rehabilitation of the expansion joint on the Ogudu-Ifako Bridge.
According to the Special Adviser to the Governor on Transportation, Sola Giwa, the move is part of the state’s adaptive response strategy to ensure commuter relief during the roadworks.
“This remedial measure, conceived as a palliative response to mitigate commuter hardship, aligns with the Lagos State Government’s forward-thinking and adaptive transportation strategy under the THEMES Plus Agenda of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu,” Giwa stated on Wednesday.
He explained that the temporary suspension of BRT lane restrictions will allow general vehicles to access these corridors [particularly during peak hours] to absorb the overflow of traffic caused by the partial closure of the Ifako-bound carriageway of the Third Mainland Bridge corridor. This, he said, is a strategic intervention to preserve traffic flow and reduce commuting time for Lagosians.
However, Giwa cautioned that the suspension is transitional and conditional. While general vehicles may use the BRT lanes, commercial buses and articulated vehicles must strictly adhere to safety regulations and loading limits to avoid causing further congestion or endangering public safety.
The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has also been directed to intensify operations along the affected routes.
“Enhanced personnel deployment and traffic equipment are now in place to ensure orderly conduct, prevent exploitation of the temporary suspension, and respond promptly to any emergent traffic disturbances,” Giwa added.
Residents are urged to cooperate with authorities as the state continues efforts to modernize infrastructure and manage traffic sustainably during the ongoing bridge rehabilitation.
