The ongoing rehabilitation of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway has combined with road crashes and overturned trucks to create severe traffic congestion, leaving commuters stranded for hours.
The latest disruption occurred around Kara Bridge after a container-laden trailer fell on the Lagos-bound section of the bridge on September 15, worsening an already difficult traffic situation caused by ongoing repairs.
The incident forced authorities to completely close the affected Lagos-bound section, while motorists travelling in the opposite direction were made to share the available carriageway.
Traffic stretched beyond Berger, with congestion also spilling into surrounding areas as motorists searched for alternative routes.
For some commuters, what would normally be a short journey has turned into an hours-long ordeal.
Entrepreneur Nsikak Akpan told Channels Television that a journey that normally takes about 15 minutes took seven hours around the Ojodu Berger area, forcing him to find a hotel for the night.
Another commuter, Samuel Markson, said he eventually abandoned his journey and returned home after becoming trapped in the gridlock.
Some commuters also resorted to trekking, with one traveller describing walking to work as an option she had never previously considered.
Repairs Reduce Available Road Space
The Kara Bridge rehabilitation, directed by the Minister of Works, David Umahi, began on September 8 and is scheduled to end on September 22.
The project involves replacing deteriorating expansion joints on the bridge. Authorities had earlier announced that one half of the affected section would be closed at a time while traffic was managed on the remaining portion.
The expressway handles an estimated 200,000 commuters daily, making traffic management particularly challenging whenever road space is reduced.
Congestion was already reported shortly after the rehabilitation began, with motorists experiencing delays around Kara Bridge, 7Up Junction, Otedola and adjoining routes.
The fallen trailer subsequently added another major obstruction to the corridor.
Trucks and Crashes Add to the Pressure
The Lagos-Ibadan Expressway has experienced several incidents involving articulated vehicles and other road users this year.
In July, a multiple-vehicle crash involving five articulated trucks and a Toyota Sienna occurred on Kara Bridge, leaving one person dead and others injured. The incident caused traffic to back up towards Otedola Bridge and affected nearby routes.
In March, a heavy-duty truck carrying two 20-foot containers reportedly overturned on Otedola Bridge after developing a mechanical fault, causing significant congestion.
A January crash on Otedola Bridge also obstructed a large portion of the carriageway and prompted traffic diversions by the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority.
The repeated incidents show how quickly an obstruction on the corridor can spread into adjoining roads.
A Corridor Under Strain
The Lagos-Ibadan Expressway is a major transport route linking Lagos with Ogun State and other parts of Nigeria. It carries commuters, commercial vehicles, articulated trucks and long-distance travellers every day.
When repair works reduce the available road space, accidents or vehicle breakdowns can have a much wider impact.
Traffic managers have urged motorists to exercise patience and cooperate with officials while the Kara Bridge repairs continue.
The Ogun State Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Agency said the congestion had been anticipated and urged motorists without essential business along the corridor to avoid the route where possible.
The rehabilitation is expected to be completed on September 22.
Until then, commuters using the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway face continued delays as authorities work to keep traffic moving through one of Nigeria’s busiest transport corridors.
