Commuters in Lagos faced severe gridlock on Wednesday as the Independence/McWen Bridge inbound Lagos Island was shut down for rehabilitation, leading to widespread disruptions in Ikoyi, Victoria Island, Lekki, and other parts of the city.
The closure, announced by the federal ministry of works, has forced motorists to seek alternative routes, causing congestion across major roads in Nigeria’s commercial capital.
The bridge closure is part of ongoing government efforts to improve infrastructure and ensure safer travel. However, the resulting traffic congestion has left many road users frustrated.
Read also: Lagos at standstill as Independence Bridge repairs begin
In response to the disruption, the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), in a statement on its X account on Wednesday, provided alternative routes for motorists heading towards Inner Marina, CMS, Eko Bridge, and the Third Mainland Bridge:
To Inner Marina/CMS/Eko Bridge: Motorists from Ahmadu Bello Way are advised to divert to the service lane and proceed to Bonny Camp Roundabout. From there, they should continue on Ozumba Mbadiwe, turn onto Akin Adesola, pass by the Law School and Falomo, and then proceed to Awolowo Road and Randle Road before arriving at Onikan Marina.
Diversion for Ozumba Mbadiwe road users: Motorists can either use the Falomo Ramp Bridge or the Law School route to navigate around the closure.
To the Third Mainland Bridge: Motorists should follow Ahmadu Bello Way, divert to the service lane at Bonny Camp Roundabout, continue on Ozumba Mbadiwe, turn onto Akin Adesola, pass through the Law School and Falomo Bridge, and then proceed along Alfred Rewane Road to Osborne and Ring Road before connecting to the Third Mainland Bridge.
However, many Lagos residents took to social media to express frustration over the severe traffic jams caused by the bridge closure. Some commuters reported being stuck in gridlock for hours, while others criticised the timing of the rehabilitation work.
“Your focus should be on the motorist stuck in lekki traffic. Plz. We have been here for the past 5 hrs plz…. 90% of the motorists stuck in lekki traffic are all heading to the mainland. This is pure punishment.. plz do something fast,” a motorist, Pelumi Oludayo, lamented.
“The traffic is too serious o, I trekked so much today my legs are aching me, please help us, we cannot continue this way,” Olaide Rashidat, another commuter, lamented under LASTMA’s post.
Read also: FG orders immediate reopening of Independence Bridge
LASTMA, however, acknowledged the complaints, stating, “We appreciate your patience and understanding as the government works to improve our infrastructure. We have taken note of all your comments and concerns, and we will relay them to our management team.”
The agency assured residents that it is working closely with construction teams to minimize disruptions and optimise traffic management.
Despite these assurances, the ongoing roadworks have significantly impacted movement within the city, particularly on the island. Motorists are urged to plan their journeys and explore alternative transportation options where possible.
The bridge repairs, which started on Tuesday, April 1, 2025, will last for two months till the end of May 2025, but authorities say they are committed to completing the project as swiftly as possible to ease traffic burdens on Lagosians.
