Berger: 8 Things Travellers Should Know As Repairs Begin On Bridge Linking 35 States To Lagos

LAGOS/OGUN — Brace for two weeks of traffic changes. The Federal Government has announced the start of major repairs on the Kara-Berger Bridge section of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, a critical artery that links 35 states to Lagos through Ogun State. Work begins Tuesday, September 8, 2026.

According to officials, the intervention will last for 14 days and is scheduled to run until September 22, 2026. During that period, motorists should expect lane closures, slow movement, and diversions around the bridge.

1: WHY THE REPAIRS ARE HAPPENING NOW

The repair is focused on replacing deteriorating expansion joints on the bridge. Officials say the work was ordered directly by the Minister of Works to address safety concerns, preserve the structural integrity of the bridge, and ensure smoother movement along one of Nigeria’s busiest highways.

2: WHO IS HANDLING IT

The project is being undertaken in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Works and other relevant stakeholders, according to Akinbiyi, who confirmed the timeline. Engineers will work in phases to keep at least partial access open throughout the two weeks.

3: EXPECT HEAVY TRAFFIC

The Kara Bridge is the gateway for trucks, buses, and private vehicles moving goods and people between Lagos and 35 other states. With expansion joints being replaced, expect significant slowdowns, especially during morning and evening rush hours.

4: PLAN FOR DIVERSIONS

Traffic managers from the Federal Ministry of Works, FRSC, and LASTMA will be on ground to direct vehicles. Motorists are advised to use alternative routes through Mowe, Ibafo, and Arepo to bypass the worst congestion. Signages have been placed to guide drivers.

5: TRUCK MOVEMENT MAY BE REGULATED

Because the bridge carries heavy-duty trucks transporting food, fuel, and goods nationwide, authorities may restrict truck movement to off-peak hours. Overloaded vehicles are likely to be turned back to protect the bridge during repairs.

6: COMMUTERS SHOULD LEAVE EARLY

With the 14-day window covering two full work weeks, commuters traveling from Ogun border towns into Lagos should budget extra time. A trip that normally takes 20 minutes across Kara could stretch to over an hour on bad days.

7: SAFETY IS THE PRIORITY

Officials say the deteriorating expansion joints posed risks to road users. Replacing them is aimed at improving road safety and preventing bigger structural problems that could lead to a full bridge closure in the future.

8: IMPACT BEYOND LAGOS

This is not just a Lagos-Ogun issue. Because the bridge connects 35 states to Lagos, delays here affect supply chains nationwide. Market women, transporters, and logistics companies should anticipate possible delays in delivery of goods.

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The Federal Government says the two-week timeline will be strictly adhered to, with work set to end on September 22. Updates will be provided by the Ministry of Works and traffic agencies throughout the period.

For now, the message to millions of travelers is simple: plan ahead, obey traffic directives, and expect delays. The Kara-Berger Bridge repairs are a short-term inconvenience designed for long-term safety on the road that feeds Lagos — and connects most of Nigeria to it.

NOP NIGERIA