Lagos: Opebi-Mende Bridge to Open Before Christmas

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has assured motorists that the Opebi-Mende-Ojota Link Bridge will be opened to traffic before Christmas, despite missing its earlier September completion deadline.

Sanwo-Olu gave the assurance during an inspection of the project on Sunday, saying work on a 25-metre steel structure at the site had delayed the opening.

The governor explained that the structure was designed to reflect the history of Cane Village, which was previously known for its cane market.

According to him, the monument features four steel structures representing hands weaving cane, in recognition of the area’s cultural heritage.

He said three of the four major steel components had been assembled and installed, while work on the final section was ongoing.

Sanwo-Olu disclosed that the installation was about 80 per cent complete and would require a few more days before the remaining component could be fitted.

He attributed the delay to the technical demands of installing the structure, stressing that the bridge would not be opened until all components were securely installed.

“Safety remains our priority, so we cannot open the road until every section is securely in place,” the governor said.

He acknowledged the inconvenience caused to motorists by the delay and appealed for patience, noting that the bridge had earlier been scheduled to open at the end of September.

Sanwo-Olu said the government was working to complete the outstanding tasks ahead of the festive period.

The bridge is expected to improve connectivity between Opebi, Mende and Ojota, providing motorists with an alternative route and helping to ease traffic on adjoining roads.

The governor added that additional work, including landscaping and other finishing touches, would be carried out before the bridge opened to the public.