Lagos motorists heading to the Island should expect a temporary diversion as the state government shuts part of Eko Bridge for urgent safety checks and rehabilitation works starting Tuesday, May 12, 2026.
The Commissioner for Transportation, Mr. Oluwaseun Osiyemi, confirmed the closure in a statement released on Sunday. He said the affected section runs from Apongbon to Ijora Olopa, while the lane leading into Lagos Island will remain open to traffic.
To reduce disruption, the government is urging commuters to use the Third Mainland Bridge as an alternative route during the exercise. Osiyemi noted that traffic management and security personnel will be stationed along diversion routes to guide drivers and maintain order.
“In view of the closure between Apongbon and Ijora Olopa, members of the motoring public are advised to use the Third Mainland Bridge to access their desired destinations,” the statement read. “The inward Lagos Island carriageway will remain open to motorists. Adequate traffic and security personnel will be deployed along alternative routes to guide motorists and ensure smooth traffic flow.”
The closure comes amid growing concern over the condition of major bridges in Lagos. Last week, the Minister of Works, David Umahi, said recent structural assessments revealed defects that require immediate attention. According to him, years of inspections and recent underwater evaluations showed that some supporting structures under Carter Bridge and Third Mainland Bridge had shifted.
Officials say the Eko Bridge work is part of a wider effort to prevent structural failure and ensure commuter safety. The government has assured residents that the repair period will be kept as short as possible, with updates provided as work progresses.
Motorists are advised to plan their trips early, allow extra travel time, and follow instructions from traffic officers on the ground.