Olayiwola Matthew
Minister of Works, Engr. Dave Umahi, has inspected the ageing Carter Bridge, Lagos where he expressed worry after “several engineering issues” were flagged.
He also said the Federal government is currently weighing options for the revamp of the ageing Bridge.
The bridge is a major link between Lagos Island and the Mainland.
The Minister spoke after an on-the-spot assessment visit to the site of the bridge in Lagos alongside engineers from his ministry.
A statement from Julius Berger quoted Umahi to have expressed worries at the state of the major carriageway, describing the condition of the bridge as dangerous.
He added that the bridge’s condition requires urgent attention.
According to him, the federal government is currently reviewing a proposal to either replace the Bridge with a N320 billion cable-stayed structure, considered a more durable and cost-effective alternative or embark on full-scale repairs of the bridge with N380 billion required.
Umahi said Julius Berger has completed 80% of the above-water repairs, but investigations uncovered severe underwater damage, corroded piles and detached caps which he said had overtime weakened the structural elements of the bridge, similar to what led to truck movement restrictions on the Third Mainland Bridge.
Commending Julius Berger for demonstrating a sense of cooperation under its new leadership, the minister added, “Julius Berger quoted for the project, I think, N27 billion or thereabout, but after much negotiation and discussion, we now arrived at N17 billion.”
He described the company as a “born-again Berger”, attributing the breakthrough in negotiation to the understanding and openness of its new managing director.
Acknowledging that the extent of underwater damage to Carter bridge is significant, the Regional Technical Manager, Region West of the company, Thomas Christl, said the company began work on the Carter Bridge in 2024, focusing on handrails and pile caps above water.
The current contract, he added, does not cover the full scope of restoration needed.
“After our investigations, we suggested that a full replacement might be better. A new bridge will last up to 100 years, and international investors are ready to help finance it,” the Regional Manager added.