FG begins demolition of Carter Bridge, unveils N548.98bn replacement
FG begins demolition of Carter Bridge, unveils N548.98bn replacement
The Federal Government has commenced the demolition of the ageing Carter Bridge in Lagos to make way for a new 1.93km bridge estimated to cost N548.98bn.
The Minister of Works, David Umahi, said the decision followed repeated technical assessments which established that the existing bridge had deteriorated beyond rehabilitation, particularly its underwater foundations.
Umahi said assessments conducted in 2013, 2019 and again under the present administration reached the same conclusion on the condition of the structure.
According to him, the underwater piles and pile caps had suffered severe deterioration, making complete demolition and reconstruction necessary.
The existing Carter Bridge measures about 1.525km, while the proposed replacement will extend to approximately 1.93km.
The new structure will also feature a flyover ramp intended to address a major traffic bottleneck around the bridge and improve connectivity between Lagos Island and the mainland.
The Federal Government said the replacement bridge would have two navigational waterways, each measuring 105 metres.
The contract was awarded to the China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation following a competitive bidding process involving other major construction companies, including Julius Berger, CCECC, CBC and China Harbour High Tech.
The Federal Executive Council had earlier approved N5.6bn for advanced engineering consultancy, design and costing for the project before approving the N548.98bn reconstruction contract.
Carter Bridge has served as a major link between Lagos Island and the mainland for decades and remains an important route for commuters and businesses operating across the two parts of the city.
However, prolonged exposure to heavy traffic and the marine environment has contributed to the deterioration of the structure, particularly its submerged components.
The Federal Government said rehabilitation had been considered but was ultimately rejected after technical assessments showed that rebuilding would provide a safer and more sustainable solution.
The commencement of demolition is expected to affect traffic along the Lagos Island-mainland corridor as construction progresses.
The government is expected to deploy traffic management measures to minimise disruption to motorists and commuters who rely on the bridge and adjoining routes.
The replacement project is also expected to improve traffic flow when completed, particularly through the inclusion of the planned flyover.
The Federal Government has described the reconstruction as part of its broader efforts to replace ageing infrastructure and address structural deficiencies in critical transport links.
With demolition now underway, the N548.98bn project has entered its construction phase, with its eventual impact on traffic, connectivity and the safety of the Lagos Island-mainland corridor dependent on the timely completion of the new bridge.
