The Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has said that the Opebi-Mende Link Bridge is about 80 per cent complete, expressing confidence that the project will be opened to the public before Christmas.
Governor Sanwo-Olu gave the assurance during an inspection of the project, acknowledging that the construction had exceeded the September completion timeline previously announced, reports Channels TV.
He said his visit to the site was to establish the reasons for the delay and assess the progress of work, stressing that the project’s distinctive architectural design and engineering requirements must not be compromised by the pressure to meet the deadline.
He explained that the bridge’s steel structure was designed to reflect the area’s historical association with cane weaving, thereby preserving its cultural identity.
According to him, the project involves installing more than 300 tonnes of steel at heights of up to 25 metres, making it an unusually demanding engineering undertaking.
The governor said three of the four major steel components, designed to resemble interwoven cane, had been completed, while work was ongoing on the remaining component.
He added that light-emitting diode (LED) installations featuring the colours of Lagos State would enhance the structure and give it an iconic appearance.
Governor Sanwo-Olu added that the state government would not sacrifice engineering quality and public safety for speed, despite the delay.
He said additional activities, including site cleaning, repainting of kerbs, restoration of affected areas and landscaping, would be undertaken before the bridge is opened to the public.
He envisaged the area becoming a destination for recreation, cultural heritage and tourism, adding that its redevelopment would enable residents to appreciate the history and identity of the community.
The governor maintained that the bridge would become a significant infrastructure landmark in Lagos, combining innovation with cultural preservation.
Sanwo-Olu commissioned the construction of the bridge in 2022 to ease congestion in Ikeja and environs.
He said that the bridge, which is part of the ‘legacy project,’ was an innovative solution to the perennial gridlock around Opebi/Mobolaji Bank Anthony Way/Ojota/Mende corridor.
