The Lagos State government has announced a traffic diversion plan to facilitate extensive reconstruction work on the Lagos-Badagry Expressway, a critical corridor for transportation in the region. This project is scheduled to take place in phases, starting on Monday, 26th August 2024, and is expected to continue until Friday, 31st January 2025. The aim of this phased approach is to minimize the inconvenience for motorists and ensure smoother traffic flow during the reconstruction period.
The announcement was made through an official statement issued by the Lagos State Commissioner for Transportation, Oluwaseun Osiyemi, on Friday. Osiyemi highlighted the importance of the reconstruction work, emphasizing that the Lagos-Badagry Expressway is a vital artery for the movement of people and goods, not only within Lagos State but also between Nigeria and neighboring countries. The reconstruction project is part of the state government’s broader initiative to upgrade and maintain critical infrastructure, enhancing the overall efficiency of the transportation network.
The reconstruction project will be executed in sections to manage traffic more effectively and reduce disruptions for commuters. The first phase of the project will focus on the section of the expressway stretching from Durbar Junction towards Badagry. This includes both the Toll Lane and the Service Lane. Work on this particular section is set to begin on Monday, 26th August 2024, and is expected to be completed by 30th September 2024. The decision to start with this stretch of the expressway is strategic, as it is one of the most heavily trafficked areas, serving thousands of vehicles daily.
Commissioner Osiyemi detailed the traffic management measures that will be implemented to ease congestion during the construction period. Traffic will be diverted in a well-coordinated manner, with clear signage and directions provided to guide motorists. Alternative routes will be made available, and traffic management personnel will be deployed to key points to assist with the flow of vehicles and ensure the safety of all road users.
He also reassured residents and commuters that every effort would be made to complete the reconstruction work as quickly and efficiently as possible. The state government, he said, is fully aware of the impact that such projects can have on daily life, particularly for those who rely on the expressway for their commute or business activities. Therefore, minimizing disruption and inconvenience is a top priority.
During this first phase of construction, motorists are advised to plan their journeys accordingly and consider using alternative routes where possible to avoid delays. The state government has provided a list of alternative routes, which include the Old Ojo Road and the Lagos-Abeokuta Expressway. Commuters traveling towards Badagry and beyond are encouraged to make use of these routes to reduce traffic pressure on the expressway.
Consequently, Motorists are advised to use the following alternative routes while the first section is ongoing:
SCENE 1:
Traffic going to Badagry from Lagos, (Repair on the Toll Lane)
Traffic inward Badagry from Lagos on the Toll Lane will be diverted to the Service Lane at 100 meters (subject to site condition) away from the proposed repair location and to exit the Service Lane back to the Toll Lane 100 meters (subject to site condition) away from the Durbar Junction to continue their journeys.
SCENE 2:
Traffic going to Badagry from Lagos, (Repair on the Service Lane)
Traffic inward Badagry from Lagos on the Service Lane will be diverted to the Toll Lane at 100 meters (subject to site condition) away from the proposed repair location and exit the Toll Lane back to the Service Lane 100 meters (subject to site condition) away from Durbar Junction to reach their desired destinations.
SCENE 3:
Traffic going to Badagry from Durbar Road, (Repair on the Service Lane)
Traffic inward Badagry from Durbar Road will be diverted to Fagbems Road inwards Apple junction to link Festac Road after which they will head towards Alakija Road to access Lagos-Badagry Express Road to continue their journeys.
The Commissioner for Transportation, while calling for the understanding of motorists, stated that Motorists on the other side from Badagry will have a through traffic inbound Lagos. He also assured that the Lagos State Traffic Management Officers will be on ground to coordinate vehicular movement along the axis.
He added that notifications will be released for the other sections at the completion of the first section.
Motorists are implored to be patient as the diversion is part of the traffic management plans for the rehabilitation work on the asphalt pavement of the road sections by the State Ministry of Works and Infrastructure (Office of Infrastructure, Lagos State)
