Kara Bridge Repairs Trigger Massive Gridlock on Lagos-Ibadan Expressway

By Tgnews Reporter

Motorists and commuters using the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway have been trapped in hours-long traffic following the commencement of a two-week rehabilitation of the Kara Bridge.

The repair work, which began on Tuesday, September 8, 2026, was ordered by the Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, to replace deteriorating expansion joints on the bridge and improve road safety, structural integrity and long-term traffic flow.

The project has, however, caused significant disruption along the busy Lagos-Ogun corridor, with the resulting gridlock stretching from the Kara Bridge in Ogun State towards the 7Up Junction in Lagos and extending to surrounding routes.

As of Tuesday afternoon, traffic had reportedly extended beyond the Secretariat Bus Stop, while motorists travelling from Ikeja and Agege towards the Otedola Underpass were also caught in the congestion, with the queue stretching beyond Otunba Jobi Fele Way.

Security and traffic management personnel, including the police, military, Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) and Ogun State Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Agency (TRACE), were deployed to manage the situation.

Despite the heavy presence of traffic officials, motorists continued to experience severe delays, particularly around the entry and exit points of the bridge towards the OPIC area.

By about 5:30 a.m. on Wednesday, some motorists were reportedly driving against the normal flow of traffic in an attempt to reach their destinations, further raising concerns about road safety.

The congestion has also affected commuters and workers, with many reportedly stranded and unable to arrive at their destinations on time.

One motorist, Tijani Akinyele, described the situation as “terrible”, saying motorists heading towards Mowe had been forced to seek alternative means of navigating the corridor.

“We didn’t expect this whole repair would turn out like this. The situation is terrible, but there’s nothing I can do,” he said.

Another motorist, Thompson, appealed to the authorities to urgently address the traffic situation.

“We can’t continue like this. If the situation is like this today, what will it look like for the next two weeks?” he asked.

TRACE spokesperson, Babatunde Akinbiyi, said the agency had anticipated the possibility of heavy traffic and had issued an advisory before the commencement of the repairs.

He urged motorists to remain patient and cooperate with traffic officials while the work lasts.

According to Akinbiyi, motorists who do not have essential business along the corridor should avoid the route during the rehabilitation period, while those who must use it should follow instructions from traffic management personnel.

The Lagos State Government had earlier advised motorists to plan their journeys ahead of time, following the Federal Ministry of Works’ announcement of the rehabilitation exercise.

The government explained that the repair would be carried out in phases, with one half of the affected section closed at a time while traffic is allowed to use the remaining half interchangeably.

The rehabilitation, initially scheduled to begin in August, was postponed following concerns over traffic management and the short notice given to road users.

The current exercise is expected to last until September 22, 2026.

Authorities have appealed to motorists to exercise patience and cooperate with traffic managers, stressing that the repairs are necessary to improve the safety and durability of the Kara Bridge and restore smoother movement along one of Nigeria’s busiest highways.