The federal government has postponed the reopening of the 1st Niger Bridge, the critical link between Delta and Anambra states, after ordering further structural repairs and safety checks. The emergency rehabilitation, which was slated for completion within two weeks and expected to finish on 21 September, remains unfinished, extending the bridge’s closure.
Minister of Works David Umahi, who inspected the ongoing works yesterday, said the bridge will not be opened to traffic until major structural work is completed. “We apologise for the inconvenience to our people, but it is for their own good,” Umahi said, praising the governors of Delta and Anambra for providing alternative routes during the shutdown.
Umahi reported that significant progress has been made: bolts removed from the bridge have been replaced and secured, and a damaged expansion joint has been manufactured and flown in for installation. He also commended the contractor, SKCC, for its efforts over the past ten to eleven days, while noting that painting of bridge kerbs and carriageways, retouching of damaged sections, and repainting of metal and steel components are also underway.
Additional directives include the installation of extra solar lights, completion of the CCTV infrastructure, and establishing a connection link to the Second Niger Bridge. The minister has also ordered an underwater inspection to assess the condition of structural elements below the waterline, setting up a committee to submit a report before the inspection is finished.
In a change to the bridge‑approach specifications, Umahi directed that the existing asphalt be removed and replaced with concrete for 100 metres on either side of the bridge. He explained that this aligns with the adjoining section, which is also being reconstructed in concrete. After the bridge reopens, one carriageway will be closed for 21 days to allow the new concrete to cure, after which traffic will shift to the other side for a similar period.
The minister also ordered the removal of illegal advertisements and called for the bridge to be beautified, including the display of President Bola Tinubu’s photographs. With the closure extended, commuters and haulage operators must continue to rely on alternative routes while the additional repairs and safety checks are completed.
<small>Source: Vanguard News — read the original story there.</small>
