The Federal Government has announced plans to commence repairs on the damaged expansion joints at the Kara Bridge section of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway on September 8.

The repair exercise is expected to take two weeks, the Federal Ministry of Works disclosed on Saturday during an inspection of the affected section of the highway.

The Acting Controller of the Federal Ministry of Works in Ogun State, Richard Adeleye, said the intervention had become necessary after the expansion joints exceeded their service life and became a safety risk to motorists.

Adeleye explained that the repairs would be undertaken in stages to minimise disruption to traffic.

According to him, one side of the affected section would initially be shut while motorists would use the other half under controlled movement. After one week, work would shift to the opposite side.

“There will be traffic control here from the 8th of this month, which will last for two weeks, precisely because of the curing that is expected before it is opened to traffic,” Adeleye said.

He added that vehicles would continue to move through the available portion of the road at reduced speed throughout the construction period.

To manage the expected traffic impact, personnel from the Federal Road Safety Corps, FRSC, Ogun State Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Corps and the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority, LASTMA, will be stationed around the area.

Adeleye explained that expansion joints are designed to allow bridges to naturally expand and contract in response to temperature changes.

He warned that further neglect of the damaged joints could result in more serious structural problems, including cracking and buckling of the bridge.

According to him, the deteriorated joints have also been linked to several accidents in the area, making immediate repairs necessary.

“It is better done now because it has been causing a lot of accidents. We have witnessed it, even the last time we came here. It happened right here in our presence,” he said.

The Federal Ministry of Works official assured motorists that the intervention would be completed within two weeks, provided there were no unforeseen challenges.

He advised motorists heading towards Ibadan to consider alternative routes, including the Ikorodu-Ogijo Road and roads around Sango and Abeokuta.

However, motorists who decide to remain on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway will be able to pass through the construction area under traffic control.

The restricted section will cover approximately 100 metres, meaning motorists will exit the affected area shortly after crossing the bridge.

Adeleye described the intervention as critical to preserving the bridge, adding that the replacement expansion joints were expected to remain functional for between 10 and 20 years.