The Federal Government has commenced the process of demolishing the ageing Carter Bridge in Lagos as part of a ₦548.98 billion project to replace the structure with a new and longer bridge.
The project follows several technical assessments which found that the existing Carter Bridge had deteriorated beyond rehabilitation, particularly in its underwater foundations.
Minister of Works, David Umahi, said investigations carried out in 2013, 2019 and again under the current administration reached the same conclusion: the bridge could no longer be safely preserved through repairs.
According to the minister, the underwater piles and pile caps have suffered severe deterioration, with the damage progressing to a level that made complete demolition and reconstruction the only viable option.
New Bridge to Be Longer
The replacement project is expected to produce a longer structure than the existing bridge.
The original Carter Bridge is about 1.525 kilometres long, while the new design will extend to approximately 1.93 kilometres. The additional length will include a flyover ramp intended to address one of the major traffic bottlenecks around the bridge and improve movement between Lagos Island and the mainland.
The new bridge will also feature a navigational waterway measuring 105 metres by two, according to the Federal Government.
The project contract was awarded to China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCCC) following a competitive bidding process involving other major construction companies, including Julius Berger, CCECC, CBC and China Harbour High Tech.
Why Carter Bridge Is Being Replaced
Carter Bridge has served as one of Lagos’s major transport links for decades, connecting Lagos Island with the mainland and carrying significant daily traffic.
However, years of exposure to heavy traffic, saltwater corrosion and deterioration of its underwater foundation have raised concerns over its structural condition.
The Federal Government said technical experts and stakeholders considered rehabilitation but ultimately determined that rebuilding the bridge would provide a safer and more sustainable solution.
The Federal Executive Council had earlier approved the demolition and reconstruction of the bridge, initially approving ₦5.6 billion for advanced engineering consultancy, design and costing before the full reconstruction contract was approved at ₦548.98 billion.
What the Project Means for Lagos Residents
For motorists and commuters who depend on the Carter Bridge corridor, the reconstruction is expected to create short-term traffic challenges but, upon completion, provide a more durable route and improve traffic flow.
The planned flyover is particularly significant because it is designed to remove a longstanding bottleneck around the existing bridge.
The Federal Government has presented the project as part of a wider effort to upgrade critical infrastructure and replace ageing structures rather than continue with temporary repairs.
With demolition now moving forward, attention will turn to traffic management during the construction period and the government’s ability to deliver the new bridge within the approved cost and project timeline.
For millions of Lagos residents and businesses that rely on the Lagos Island-mainland corridor, the success of the project will ultimately be measured not only by the new structure itself, but by how effectively it reduces congestion, improves safety and keeps one of the city’s most important transport routes functioning during construction.
Discover more from VOICE OF THE PEOPLE
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
