Motorists on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway have raised concerns over prolonged traffic congestion caused by ongoing repair work at the Kara Bridge.
Newsmen observed that commuters travelling from Ibadan, Interchange, and Sagamu towards Lagos often spend several hours in gridlock due to the reduced width of the road at the repair site.
Lateef Oladele, who drives from Berger to Mowe-Ibafo, described the delays as “gruelling.” He said, “From Mowe to Berger, I would use 45 minutes to one hour if there is no traffic. But now, just from the long bridge before Wawa, I can spend three hours if a trailer breaks down.”
Another commuter, Ibrahim, expressed frustration over the slow pace of the project. “We are burning fuel without earning. Since last week, I have not seen much progress. I thought it would be finished in a week, but it is approaching two weeks,” he said.
Some drivers have proposed that repairs be carried out at night to reduce daytime congestion. Ishau Omolola suggested collaboration with security agencies to ensure safety during night work.
Omolola also recommended alternative routes, including a connection from Magboro to Ifo and access to Akute, to ease traffic flow. He highlighted the need to repair the Otedola Bridge to prevent accidents involving heavy-duty vehicles.
Reports of alleged extortion by police at checkpoints along the highway have also emerged. A bus driver said officers were reportedly collecting money from motorists to allow passage, leaving those who refused at a standstill.
Responding to the concerns, Ogun State Federal Works Commissioner Layi Komolafe said the road’s reduced width was the main cause of the traffic. “The total width of the road is 14.5 metres, so we divided it into two. We’re working on one side while vehicles move on the other, which has narrowed the road,” he explained.
Komolafe added that overnight repairs have been halted following the death of a staff member during night work. He assured commuters that work on the Ibadan-bound side would resume with prior announcements on radio and television to sensitize drivers.
He urged motorists to exercise patience while the repairs continue, emphasizing that the project would eventually improve traffic flow and road safety.
