…Commissions Ajah, Abule-Egba flyovers
…Approves construction of shopping mall at Oke-Odo
From: Moshood Adebayo
Governor Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State, on Wednesday, reiterated his commitment to the well-being of Lagosians as he commissioned the Ajah and Abule-Egba bridges.
The bridges named “Jubilee” were conceived to resolve the perennial traffic gridlock at their different locations.
The Ajah Bridge is a 160 metre long dual carriageway and total length of 620 metres ramp with service lames on either side of the bridge and median, kerb and walkways.
On the other hand, the scope of works at Abule-Egba includes 700m bridge of 7.3m dual carriageway with 1100 m service lanes, drains on both sides or service lanes and bridge.
Ambode said the “Ajah Jubilee Bridge” would eliminate the traffic jam usually experienced on the road with the adjourning roads like the Freedom and Admiralty roads providing an alternative route to the Lekki/Ikoyi Bridge, thereby, easing traffic at Lekki Phase 1.
His words:” We had to give this project priority because of its strategic importance to the economic growth of the Lekki Free Trade Zone and the Ibeju-Lekki-Epe axis.
” This axis will play a key role in the future prosperity of Lagos State as the home to many multi-billion Naira private investments in the Lekki Free Trade Zone as well as the upcoming seaport and airport.
As an administration, Ambode said he is irrevocably committed to making the state an investment haven, hence “we have made it a duty to put in place top class infrastructure that will facilitate movement of people, goods and materials”.
The governor said the Abule Egba bridge signposts the beginning of a new era of development that would enhance the standard of living of the people in this axis with the provision of this infrastructure.
“Abule-Egba is a strategic route for commercial and social activities and has always experienced heavy traffic gridlock. Our administration decided to redesign the traffic flow chart of the axis to ensure better connectivity between Lagos and Ogun states.
He said the bridge would improve commercial activities and promote inter-state trade, which will in turn create employment and wealth for people in this area.
As another step of making life more meaningful to Lagosians, he said his administration had commenced the construction of a new BRT road network to Oshodi
The governor also said all the adjoining roads disrupted in the course of the construction of the bridges have been awarded for rehabilitation, while a shopping mall would also be constructed at the Oke-Odo Market, Abule-Egba to further boost economic activities in the axis.
He appealed to commercial transport operators to support government initiatives to ensure free flow of traffic, through the use of designated bus shelters.
“We shall not tolerate flagrant abuse of traffic regulations by any motorist to the detriment of other road users. Now that it has been delivered, my appeal to you all is to ensure compliance with traffic laws and regulations for the safety of lives and property”
While commending residents of the state for paying their taxes, he said this had encouraged his administration to be able to execute projects such a magnitude.