Enugu state
Reopening of collapsed bridge postponed in Enugu. Following expert advise, the Enugu State Government has decided to postpone the reopening of one lane of the fallen Enugu-Port Harcourt Expressway Bridge.
The government reported that the Project Manager, Mr Mohammed Fadi, advised it not to reopen the bridge “for safety reasons” until it was entirely completed.
Aka-Eze Aka, the Commissioner for Information and Communication, announced this in a statement published in Enugu and made accessible to journalists on Monday.
According to the News Agency of Nigeria, at a post-State Executive Council meeting briefing, the Commissioner for Works, Mr Gerald Otiji, stated that one lane of the bridge would be reopened to motorists to relieve traffic during the Yuletide celebrations.
But Aka stated that the bridge would no longer be reopened as announced, saying that based on the expert’s advice the bridge should on completion be subjected to a series of integrity tests, to certify it fit for public use.
“Due to the traffic congestion in the area, which is a major link road, the state government had requested that one lane of the standing bridge be opened to ease traffic and relieve motorists of stress, especially during the holiday season.”
“However, due to expert and technical advice, this is no longer feasible.”
“As a matter of emphasis, the government is not unaware of the difficulties created by the collapsed bridge, but appeals for understanding and patience from road users as works on the bridge will soon be completed,” he said.